Over write capable magnetooptical recording method, and magnetooptical recording apparatus and medium used therefor

ABSTRACT

A magnetooptical recording method for recording data using a bit having upward-magnetization and a bit having downward-magnetization on a recording layer of a magnetooptical recording medium comprises the steps of using, as the medium, a multilayered magnetic recording medium consisting of a first layer having a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy acting as a recording layer, and a second layer having a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy acting as a reference layer; moving the medium; applying an initial field so that, before recording, the direction of magnetization of the recording layer is left unchanged, and that of the reference layer is aligned either upward or downward; radiating a laser beam onto the medium; pulse modulating an intensity of the laser beam in accordance with binary data to be recorded; when the laser beam is radiated, applying a bias field to the irradiated portion; and when the intensity of the pulse-modulated laser beam is at high level, forming one of the bit having upward-magnetization and that having downward-magnetization, and when the intensity of the pulse-modulated laser beam is at low level, forming the other bit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 090,973 filed Aug. 31,1987 which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 870,350filed Jun. 4, 1986, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a magnetooptical recording method and amagnetooptical recording apparatus and a medium used therefor and, moreparticularly, to an over write capable magnetooptical recording method,an over write capable magnetooptical recording apparatus and an overwrite capable medium.

2. Related Background Art

In recent years, many efforts have been made to develop an opticalrecording/reproduction method, an optical recording apparatus and amedium used therefor, which can satisfy various requirements includinghigh density, large capacity, high speed access, and highrecording/reproduction speed.

Of various optical recording/reproduction methods, the magnetoopticalrecording/reproduction method is most attractive due to its uniqueadvantages that information can be erased after use and new informationcan be written thereon.

A recording medium used in a magnetooptical recording/reproductionmethod has a perpendicular magnetic layer or layers as a recordinglayer. The magnetic layer comprises, for example, amorphous GdFe, GdCo,GdFeCo, TbFe, TbCo, TbFeCo, and the like. Concentric or spiral tracksare formed on the recording layer, and data is recorded on the tracks.Note that in this specification, one of the "upward" and "downward"directions of magnetization with respect to a film surface is defined asan "A direction" and the other one is defined as a "non-A direction".Data to be recorded is binarized in advance, and is recorded by a bit(B₁) having "A-directed" magnetization and a bit (B₀) having"non-A-directed" magnetization. These bits B₁ and B₀ correspond to "1"and "0" levels of a digital signal, respectively. However, in general,the direction of magnetization of the recording tracks can be aligned inthe "non-A direction" by applying a strong bias field before recording.This processing is called "initialization". Thereafter, the bit (B₁)having "A-directed" magnetization is formed on the tracks. Data isrecorded in accordance with the presence/absence and/or a bit length ofthe bit (B₁).

Principle of Bit Formation

In the bit formation, a characteristic feature of a laser, i.e.,excellent coherence in space and time, is effectively used to focus abeam into a spot as small as the diffraction limit determined by thewavelength of the laser light. The focused light is radiated onto thetrack surface to write data by producing bits less than 1 μm in diameteron the recording layer. In the optical recording, a recording density upto 10⁸ bit/cm² can be theoretically attained, since a laser beam can beconcentrated into a spot with a size as small as its wavelength.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the magnetooptical recording, a laser beam L isfocused onto a recording layer 1 to heat it, while a bias field (Hb) isexternally applied to the heated portion in the direction opposite theinitialized direction. A coersivity Hc of the locally heated portion isdecreased below the bias field (Hb). As a result, the direction ofmagnetization of that portion is aligned in the direction of the biasfield (Hb). In this way, reversely magnetized bits are formed.

Ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials differ in the temperaturedependencies of the magnetization and Hc. Ferromagnetic materials haveHc which decreases around the Curie temperature and allow data recordingbased on this phenomenon. Thus, data recording in ferromagneticmaterials is referred to as Tc recording (Curie temperature recording).

On the other hand, ferrimagnetic materials have a compensationtemperature, below the Curie temperature, at which magnetization (M)becomes zero. The Hc abruptly increases around this temperature andhence abruptly decreases outside this temperature. The decreased Hc iscancelled by a relatively weak bias field (Hb). Namely, recording isenabled. This process is called Tcomp. recording (compensation pointrecording).

In this case, however, there is no need to adhere to the Curie point ortemperatures therearound, and the compensation temperature. In otherwords, if a bias field (Hb) capable of cancelling a decreased Hc isapplied to a magnetic material having the decreased Hc at apredetermined temperature higher than a room temperature, recording isenabled.

Principle of Reading.

FIG. 2 illustrates the principle of data reading based on themagnetooptical effect. Light is an electromagnetic wave with anelectromagnetic-field vector normally emanating in all directions in aplane perpendicular to the light path. When light is converted tolinearly polarized beams (Lp) and radiated onto a recording layer (1),it is reflected by or passes through the recording layer (1). At thistime, the plane of polarization rotates according to the direction ofmagnetization (M). This phenomenon is called the magnetic Kerr effect ormagnetic Faraday effect.

For example, if the plane of polarization of the reflected light rotatesthrough θ_(k) degrees for "A-directed" magnetization, it rotates through-θ_(k) degrees for the "non-A-directed" magnetization. Therefore, whenthe axis of an optical analyzer (polarizer) is set perpendicular to theplane inclined at -θ_(k), the light reflected by "non-A-direction"magnetized bit (B₀) cannot pass through the analyzer. However, a product(X sin2θ_(k))² of the light reflected by a bit (B₁) magnetized along the"A direction" passes through the analyzer and becomes incident on adetector (photoelectric conversion means). As a result, the bit (B₁)magnetized along the "A direction" looks brighter than the bit (B₀)magnetized along the "non-A direction", and the detector produces astronger electrical signal for the bit (B₁). The electrical signal fromthe detector is modulated in accordance with the recorded data, thusreading the data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to re-use a recorded medium, (i) the medium must bere-initialized by an initializing device, (ii) an erasing head as wellas a recording head must be added to a recording apparatus, or (iii)recorded data must be erased using a recording apparatus or an erasingapparatus as preliminary processing.

Therefore, in the conventional magnetooptical recording method, anover-write operation, which allows new data recording regardless of thepresence/absence of the recorded data, is impossible.

If the direction of a bias field (Hb) can be freely changed between the"A direction" and "non-A direction", an over-write operation ispossible. However, the direction of the bias field (Hb) cannot bechanged at high speed. For example, when a bias field (Hb) applyingmeans is a permanent magnet, the direction of the magnet must bemechanically reversed. In this case, it is impossible to rotate thedirection of the magnet at high speed. Similarly, when the bias field(Hb) applying means is an electromagnet, the direction of such a largecurrent cannot be reversed at high speed.

It is, therefore, a first object of the present invention to provide amagnetooptical recording method capable of over writing by modulatinglight without changing the direction of the bias field (Hb).

It is a second object of the present invention to provide amagnetooptical recording apparatus capable of over writing.

It is a third object of the present invention to provide amagnetooptical recording medium capable of over writing.

According to the present invention, there is provided a magnetoopticalrecording method, in which data is recorded on a recording layer of amagnetooptical recording medium using a bit having upward-magnetizationand a bit having downward-magnetization, the method comprising the stepsof:

(a) using, as the medium, a multilayered magnetic recording mediumconsisting of a first layer having a perpendicular magnetic anisotropyacting as a recording layer, and a second layer having a perpendicularmagnetic anisotropy acting as a reference layer;

(b) moving said medium;

(c) applying an initial field so that, before recording, the directionof magnetization of the recording layer is left unchanged, and that ofthe reference layer is aligned either upward or downward;

(d) radiating a laser beam onto the medium;

(e) pulse modulating an intensity of the laser beam in accordance withbinary data to be recorded;

(f) when the laser beam is radiated, applying a bias field to theirradiated portion; and

(g) when the intensity of the pulse-modulated laser beam is at highlevel, forming one of the bit having upward-magnetization and thathaving downward-magnetization, and when the intensity of thepulse-modulated laser beam is at low level, forming the other bit.

With the method of the present invention, the laser beam is pulsemodulated based on data to be recorded. However, this procedure itselfhas been performed in the conventional magnetooptical recording method,and a means for pulse modulating the beam intensity based on two-valuedor binary data to be recorded is a known means. For example, see "THEBELL SYSTEM TECHNICAL JOURNAL, Vol. 62(1983) pp. 1923-1936.

A characteristic feature of the present invention lies in high and lowlevels of the beam intensity. More specifically, when the beam intensityis at high level, "A-directed" magnetization of the reference layer isreversed to the "non-A direction" by means of a bias field (Hb), and abit having the "non-A-directed" (or "A-directed) magnetization is thusformed in the recording layer by means of the "non-A-directed"magnetization of the reference layer. When the beam intensity is at lowlevel, a bit having the "A-directed" (or "non-A-directed) magnetizationis formed in the recording layer by means of the "A-directed"magnetization of the reference layer. If required high and low levelsare given, it is easy for a person skilled in the art to modulate thebeam intensity according to the present invention only by partiallymodifying the modulating means.

In this specification, if expressions ooo (or xxx) appear, ooo outsidethe parentheses in the first expression corresponds to ooo in thesubsequent expressions ooo (or xxx), and vice versa.

As is well known, even if recording is not performed, a laser beam isoften turned on at very low level* in order to, for example, access apredetermined recording position on the medium. When the laser beam isalso used for reading, the laser beam is often turned on at an intensityof the very low level*. In this invention, the intensity of the laserbeam may be set at this very low level. However, low level for forming abit is higher than the very low level*. Therefore, the output waveformof the laser beam of the present invention is as shown in FIG. 5.

According to the present invention, there is provided a magnetoopticalrecording apparatus capable of over writing, comprising:

(a) means for moving a magnetooptical recording medium;

(b) initial field applying means;

(c) a laser beam source;

(d) means for pulse modulating a beam intensity in accordance withbinary data to be recorded to obtain (1) high level that provides, tothe medium, a temperature suitable for forming one of a bit havingupward-magnetization and a bit having downward-magnetization, and toobtain (2) low level that provides, to the medium, a temperaturesuitable for forming the other bit; and

(e) bias field applying means, which can be commonly used as the initialfield applying means.

The modulating means is available by partially modifying a conventionalbeam modulating means if high and low levels of the beam intensity areprovided. Such a modification would be easy for those skilled in theart.

In addition, according to the present invention, there is provided anover-write capable multilayered magnetooptical recording mediumconsisting of a first layer having a perpendicular magnetic anisotropyas a recording layer, and a second layer having a perpendicular magneticanisotropy as a reference layer.

The present invention is divided into first and second aspects. In boththe aspects, the recording medium has a multilayered structure, which isdivided into two layers, as shown in FIG. 7A.

The first layer is the recording layer, which exhibits high coersivityat room temperature and has low reversing temperature. The second layeris the reference layer, which exhibits low-coersivity at roomtemperature and has a higher reversing temperature than the first layer.Both the layers comprise perpendicular magnetic layers. Note that eachof the first and second layers can comprise a multilayered structure. Ifnecessary, another layer can be interposed between the first and secondlayers. In addition, a clear boundary between the first and secondlayers need not be formed, and one layer can be gradually converted intothe other layer.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 40, a third layer (transcription layer)may be arranged on the side of the first layer (recording layer) to bein direct contact therewith or through another layer.

The third layer is adapted to transcribed data recorded in the firstlayer, and is a transcription layer having a higher magnetoopticaleffect and a smaller coersivity at a room temperature than those of thefirst layer. The third layer comprises a perpendicular magnetizationfilm.

Therefore, when data recorded in the first layer is reproduced, areproduction beam is radiated on the third layer, and data is reproducedfrom a beam reflected by the third layer. Thus, a C/N ratio can beimproved as compared to a case wherein data is reproduced from the firstlayer.

In the first aspect, the coersivity of a recording layer 1 isrepresented by H_(C1) ; that of a reference layer 2, H_(C2) ; the Curietemperature of the recording layer 1, T_(C1) ; that of the referencelayer 2, TC₂ ; the room temperature, T_(R) ; the temperature of therecording medium when a low level laser beam is radiated, T_(L) ; thatwhen a high level laser beam is radiated, T_(H) ; a coupling fieldapplied to the recording layer 1, H_(D1) ; and a coupling field appliedto the reference layer 2, H_(D2). In this case, the recording mediumsatisfies the following Formula 1, and satisfies Formulas 2 to 5 at theroom temperature.

    T.sub.R <T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L <T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.HFormula 1

    H.sub.C1 >H.sub.C2 +|H.sub.D1 ∓H.sub.D2 |Formula 2

    H.sub.C1 >H.sub.D1                                         Formula 3

    H.sub.C2 >H.sub.D2                                         Formula 4

    H.sub.C2 +H.sub.D2 <|Hini.|<H.sub.C1 ±H.sub.D1Formula 5

In the above formula, symbol "≈" means "equal to" or "substantiallyequal to". In addition, of double signs ± and ∓, the upper signcorresponds to an A (antiparallel) type medium, and the lower signcorresponds to a P (parallel) type medium (these media will be describedlater). Note that the P type medium includes a ferromagnetic material.

The relationship between the coersivity and the temperature is as shownin the graph of FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 6, the thin curve representsthe characteristics of the recording layer 1 and the bold curverepresents those of the reference layer 2.

Therefore, when an initial field (Hini.) is applied to the recordingmedium at room temperature, the direction of magnetization of thereference layer 2 is reversed without reversing that of the recordinglayer 1, according to Formula 5. When the initial field (Hini.) isapplied to the recording layer before recording, the reference layer 2can be magnetized in the "A direction" (in the drawings, the "Adirection" is indicated by an upward arrow " ", and the "non-Adirection" is indicated by a downward arrow " "). If the initial field(Hini.) is decreased to zero, the direction of magnetization of thereference layer 2 can be left unchanged without being re-reversed,according to Formula 4.

FIG. 7B schematically shows a state wherein only the reference layer 2is magnetized in the "A direction" immediately before recording.

Referring to FIG. 7B, the direction of magnetization in the recordinglayer 1 represents previously recorded data. Since the direction ofmagnetization in the recording layer 1 does not change the basicoperation mechanism, it is indicated by X in the following description.The table in FIG. 7B is modified as shown in Condition 1 in FIG. 8 forthe sake of simplicity.

In Condition 1, the high-level laser beam is radiated onto the recordingmedium to increase the medium temperature to T_(H). Since T_(H) ishigher than the Curie temperature T_(C1), magnetization of the recordinglayer 1 disappears. In addition, since T_(H) is near the Curietemperature T_(C2), magnetization of the reference layer 2 alsodisappears completely or almost completely. The bias field (Hb) in the"A direction" or "non-A direction" is applied to the medium inaccordance with the type thereof. The bias field (Hb) can be a strayfield from the medium itself. For the sake of simplicity, assume thatthe bias field (Hb) in the "non-A direction" is applied to the medium.Since the medium is moving, a given irradiated portion is immediatelyseparated from the laser beam and is cooled by air. When the temperatureof the medium is decreased under the presence of the field Hb, thedirection of magnetization of the reference layer 2 is reversed to the"non-A direction" based on the field Hb (Condition 2_(H) in FIG. 8).

When the medium is further cooled and the medium temperature isdecreased below T_(C1), magnetization of the recording layer 1 appearsagain. In this case, the direction of magnetization of the recordinglayer 1 is influenced by that of the reference layer 2 due to a magneticcoupling (exchange coupling) force. As a result, magnetization (the Ptype medium) or (the A type medium) is formed in accordance with thetype of the medium, as shown in Condition 3_(H) in FIG. 8.

A change in conditions due to high-level laser beam irradiation iscalled a high-temperature cycle herein.

Next, in Condition 1 in FIG. 9, the low-level laser beam is radiatedonto the medium to increase the medium temperature to T_(L). Since T_(L)is near the Curie temperature T_(C1), magnetization of the recordinglayer 1 disappears completely or almost completely. However, since T_(L)is below the Curie temperature T_(C2), magnetization of the referencelayer 2 does not disappear (Condition 2_(L) in FIG. 9). In Condition2_(L), although the bias field (Hb) is unnecessary, it cannot be turnedon or off at high speed. Therefore, the bias field (Hb) is left appliedinevitably.

However, since the coersivity H_(C2) is maintained high, the directionof magnetization of the reference layer 2 will not be reversed due tothe field Hb. Since the medium is moving, a given irradiated portion isimmediately separated from the laser beam and is cooled by air. Ascooling progresses, magnetization of the recording layer 1 appears. Thedirection of magnetization is influenced by that of the reference layer2 due to the magnetic coupling force. As a result, magnetization (the Ptype medium) or (the A type medium) appears in accordance with the typeof the medium. This magnetization is not changed even at the roomtemperature (Condition 3_(L) in FIG. 9).

A change in conditions due to low-level laser beam irradiation is calleda low-temperature cycle herein.

FIG. 10 summarizes the above descriptions. Referring to FIG. 10, bits,having either magnetization or , which are opposite to each other, areformed in the high- and low-temperature cycles regardless of thedirection of magnetization in the recording layer 1. More specifically,an over-write operation is enabled by pulse modulating the laser beambetween high level (high-temperature cycle) and low level(low-temperature cycle) in accordance with data to be recorded.

Note that the recording medium normally has a disk shape, and is rotatedduring recording. For this reason, a recorded portion (bit) is againinfluenced by the initial field (Hini.) during a single rotation. As aresult, the direction of magnetization of the reference layer 2 isaligned along the original "A direction" . However, at the roomtemperature, magnetization of the reference layer can no longerinfluence that of the recording layer 1, and the recorded data can beheld.

If linearly polarized light is radiated onto the recording layer 1,since light reflected thereby includes data, data can be reproduced asin the conventional magnetooptical recording medium.

However, a presently available material of the second layer has a largermagnetooptical effect than that of the first layer. Therefore, if datais left in the second layer like in a state immediately after recording,data can be reproduced from light reflected by the second layer to havea high C/N ratio.

When the disk-shaped medium after recording is influenced by the initialfield Hini. and the second layer is magnetized in the A direction or thenon-A direction , the direction of some bits recorded on the first layeris unnatural with respect to that of the second layer. Morespecifically, in the P type medium the direction of some bits of thefirst layer is antiparallel to the direction of magnetization of thesecond layer. In the A type medium, the direction of some bits of thefirst layer is parallel to the direction of magnetization of the secondlayer. In this case, a magnetic wall is formed between the first andsecond layers, and a rather unstable state is set.

Therefore, when a reproduction field H_(R) in a direction opposite tothat of the field Hini. is applied to the medium in this state, themagnetization of the portion of the second layer where the magnetic wallis formed is reversed upon influence of the bits of the first layer. Asa result, the magnetic wall is extinguished, and a stable state can beestablished. This state is the same as that immediately after recording.Therefore, since recorded data also appears in the second layer, datacan be reproduced from the second layer.

Therefore, the present invention also provides the followingreproduction method.

More specifically, a reproduction method for over write capablemagnetooptical recording is characterized in that in a disk-shapedmultilayered magnetooptical recording medium capable of over writingcomprising a first layer, serving as a recording layer, in which data isrecorded in the form of a bit having upward magnetization and a bithaving downward magnetization and which has a perpendicular magneticanisotropy, and a second layer, serving as a reference layer, which hasa perpendicular magnetic anisotropy having magnetization aligned in anupward or downward direction, data recorded in the first layer istranscribed to the second layer upon application of a reproductionmagnetic field before reproduction, and the transcribed data isreproduced.

The present invention provides the following reproduction apparatus.

A reproduction apparatus for magnetooptical recording, is characterizedby comprising:

(a) means for rotating a disk-shaped multilayered magnetoopticalrecording medium capable of over writing comprising a first layer,serving as a recording layer, in which data is recorded in the form of abit having upward magnetization and a bit having downward magnetizationand which has a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, and a second layer,serving as a reference layer, which has a perpendicular magneticanisotropy having magnetization aligned in an upward or downwarddirection;

(b) reproduction magnetic field applying means for transcribed datarecorded in the first layer to the second layer;

(c) a linearly polarized light source; and

(d) reproduction means for receiving reflection light of the linearlypolarized light radiated on the second layer and reproducing dataincluded in the reflection light in the form of an electrical signal.

The intensity of a reproduction field H_(R) preferably satisfies thefollowing condition:

    H.sub.C2 -(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)<|H.sub.R |<H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)

where

H_(C) 2: coersivity of second layer

M_(S) 2: saturation magnetic moment of second layer

t₂ : film thickness of second layer

σ_(w) : interface magnetic wall energy

H_(R) : reproduction field

A perpendicular magnetic film constituting the recording layer 1 and thereference layer 2 is selected from the group consisting of (1)crystalline or amorphous ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials havingthe Curie temperature and no compensation temperature, and (2)crystalline or amorphous ferrimagnetic materials having both thecompensation temperature and the Curie temperature.

The first aspect utilizing the Curie temperature has been described. Incontrast to this, the second aspect of the present invention utilizesdecreased coersivity HC at a predetermined temperature exceeding theroom temperature. The second aspect uses a temperature T_(S1) at whichthe recording layer 1 is magnetically coupled to the reference layer 2,in place of the temperature T_(C1) in the first aspect. In addition,instead of the temperature T_(C2), a temperature T_(S2) at which thereference layer 2 is reversed under the influence of the field Hb isused. Thereby, the second aspect can provide the same effect as in thefirst aspect.

In the second aspect, the coersivity of the recording layer 1 isrepresented by H_(C1) ; that of the reference layer 2, H_(C2) ; atemperature at which the recording layer 1 is magnetically coupled tothe reference layer 2, T_(S1) ; a temperature at which the direction ofmagnetization of the reference layer 2 is reversed upon influence of thefield Hb, T_(S2) ; room temperature, T_(R) ; a temperature of the mediumwhen a low-level laser beam is applied thereto, T_(L) ; a temperature ofthe medium when a high-level laser beam is applied thereto, T_(H) ; acoupling field applied to the recording layer 1, H_(D1) ; and a couplingfield applied to the reference layer 2, H_(D2). In this case, therecording medium satisfies the following Formula 6, and satisfiesFormulas 7 to 10 at the room temperature.

    T.sub.R <T.sub.S1 ≈T.sub.L <T.sub.S2 ≈T.sub.HFormula 6

    H.sub.C1 >H.sub.C2 +|H.sub.D1 ∓H.sub.D2 |Formula 7

    H.sub.C1 >H.sub.D1                                         Formula 8

    H.sub.C2 >H.sub.D2                                         Formula 9

    H.sub.C2 +H.sub.D2 <|Hini.|<H.sub.C1 ±H.sub.D1Formula 10

In the above formulas, upper signs of double signs ± and ∓ correspond toan A (antiparallel) type medium, and lower signs correspond to a P(parallel) medium (these media will be described later).

In the first and second aspects, the recording medium is constituted bythe recording layer 1 and the reference layer 2, each of whichpreferably comprises an amorphous ferrimagnetic material selected fromtransition metal (e.g., Fe, Co) - heavy rare earth metal (e.g., Gd, Tb,Dy, and the like) alloy compositions.

When the recording layer 1 and the reference layer 2 are both selectedfrom the transition metal - heavy rare earth metal alloy compositions,the direction and level of magnetization appearing outside the alloy aredetermined by the relationship between the direction and level of spin(magnetic moment) of transition metal atoms (to be referred to as TMhereinafter) and those of heavy rare earth metal atoms (to be referredto as RE hereinafter) inside the alloy. For example, the direction andlevel of TM spin are represented by a vector ↑, those of RE spin arealso indicated by a vector ↓, and the direction and level ofmagnetization of the alloy as a whole are represented by a double-solidvector . In this case, the vector is represented by a sum of vectors ↑and ↓. However, in the alloy, the vectors ↑ and ↓ are directed in theopposite directions due to the mutual effect of the TM spin and the REspin. Therefore, when these vectors are equal to each other, the sum ofTM and RE vectors ↓ and ↑ is zero (i.e., the level of magnetizationappearing outside the alloy is zero . The alloy composition making thesum of vectors zero is called a compensation composition. When the alloyhas another composition, it has a strength equal to a difference betweenthe strengths of both the spins, and has a vector ( or ) having adirection equal to that of the larger of the TM and RE vector.Magnetization of this vectors appears outside the alloy.

When one of the strengths of the vectors of the RE spin and TM spin islarger than the other, the alloy composition is referred to as "oo rich"named after the larger spin name (e.g., RE rich).

The recording layer 1 and the reference layer 2 can be classified intoTM rich and RE rich compositions. Therefore, if the composition of therecording layer 1 is plotted along the ordinate and that of thereference layer 2 is plotted along the abscissa, the types of therecording media according to the present invention can be classifiedinto four quadrants, as shown in FIG. 11. The P type medium describedpreviously belongs to Quadrant I and III, and the A type medium belongsto Quadrant II and IV. Referring to FIG. 11, the intersection (origin)of the abscissa and the ordinate represents the compensation compositionof both the layers.

In view of a change in coersivity against a change in temperatures, acertain alloy composition has characteristics wherein the coersivitytemporarily increases infinitely and then abruptly decreases before atemperature reaches the Curie temperature (at which the coersivity iszero). The temperature corresponding to the infinite coersivity iscalled a compensation temperature (Tcomp.). No compensation temperatureis present between the room temperature and the Curie temperature in theTM rich alloy composition. The compensation temperature below the roomtemperature is nonsense in the magnetooptical recording, and hence, itis assumed in this specification that the compensation temperature ispresent between the room temperature and the Curie temperature.

If the first and second layers are classified in view of thepresence/absence of the compensation temperature, the recording mediumcan be classified into four types. The recording medium in Quadrant Iincludes all the four types of media. The graphs of FIGS. 12A to 12Drespectively show the relationship between the coersivity and thetemperature of the four types of media. Note that thin curves representcharacteristics of the recording layer 1 and bold curves represent thoseof reference layer 2.

When the recording layer 1 and the reference layer 2 are classified inview of their RE or TM rich characteristics and in view of thepresence/absence of the compensation temperature, they can be classifiedinto 9 classes.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                        Quadrant I                                                                             First Layer: Second Layer:                                           Class    RE rich      RE rich     Type                                        ______________________________________                                        1        Tcomp.       Tcomp.      1                                           2        No Tcomp.    Tcomp.      2                                           3        Tcomp.       No Tcomp.   3                                           4        No Tcomp.    No Tcomp.   4                                           ______________________________________                                        Quadrant II                                                                            First Layer: Second Layer:                                           Class    RE rich      TM rich     Type                                        ______________________________________                                        5        Tcomp.       No Tcomp.   3                                           6        No Tcomp.    No Tcomp.   4                                           ______________________________________                                        Quadrant III                                                                           First Layer: Second Layer:                                           Class    TM rich      TM rich     Type                                        ______________________________________                                        7        No Tcomp.    No tcomp.   4                                           ______________________________________                                        Quadrant IV                                                                            First Layer: Second Layer:                                           Class    TM rich      RE rich     Type                                        ______________________________________                                        8        No Tcomp.    Tcomp.      2                                           9        No Tcomp.    No Tcomp.   4                                           ______________________________________                                    

The principle of the method of the present invention will be describedin detail using a specific medium No. 1 belonging to Class 1 (P type,Quadrant I, Type 1) shown in Table 1.

The medium No. 1 satisfies Formula 11:

    T.sub.R <Tcomp.1<T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L ≈T.sub.comp. 2 <T.sub.C2 =T.sub.H

The graph of FIG. 13 shows this relation. Note that thin curves indicatethe first layer, and bold curves indicate the second layer. Thoseidentifications are the same in the following graphs.

A condition that reverses the direction of magnetization of thereference layer 2 without reversing that of the recording layer 1 by theinitial field (Hini.) at the room temperature T_(R) is represented byFormula 12. The medium No. 1 satisfies Formula 12 at the T_(R).

    H.sub.C1 >H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)+(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)

where

H_(C1) : coersivity of recording layer 1

H_(C2) : coersivity of reference layer 2

M_(S1) : saturation magnetization of layer 1

M_(S2) : saturation magnetization of layer 2

t₁ : film thickness of layer 1

t₂ : film thickness of layer 2

σ_(w) : interface wall energy

At this time, a condition for the Hini. is represented by Formula 15. Ifthe Hini. disappears, reversed magnetization of the reference layer 2 isinfluenced by magnetization of the recording layer 1 due to an exchangecoupling force. The condition that can hold the direction ofmagnetization of the layer 2 is represented by Formulas 13 and 14. Themedium No. 1 satisfies Formulas 13 and 14.

    H.sub.C1 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)               Formula 13

    H.sub.C2 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)               Formula 14

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)<|Hini.|<H.sub.C1 -(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)                                                  Formula 15

The layer 2's magnetization of the recording medium which can satisfyFormulas 12 to 14 at the T_(R) is aligned along the "A direction" (↑↓)by the Hini. which satisfies Formula 15. At this time, the recordinglayer 1 is maintained in the recorded state (Condition 1 in FIGS. 14 and15).

Condition 1 is held to a point immediately before the recording. In thiscase, the bias field (Hb) is applied in the direction of ↑.

The high-temperature cycle will now be described with reference to FIG.14.

HIGH-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1, when the medium temperature is increased to T_(L) uponirradiation of the high-level laser beam, since the temperature T_(L) issubstantially equal to the Curie temperature T_(C1) of the recordinglayer 1, magnetization of the layer 1 disappears (Condition 2_(H)).

When the laser-beam radiation further continues, the temperature of themedium increases accordingly. When the temperature of the mediumslightly exceeds the temperature Tcomp.2 of the reference layer 2, therelationship between the strengths of the RE and TM vectors is reversed(↑↓→↑↓) although the directions of the RE and TM spins remain the same.For this reason, the direction of magnetization of the layer 2 isreversed to be along the "non-A direction" (Condition 3_(H)).

However, since the coersivity H_(C2) is still high at this temperature,the direction of magnetization of the layer 2 will not be reversed bythe field Hb (↑). When the temperature further increases and reaches thetemperature T_(H), the temperature of the layer 2 substantiallycorresponds to the Curie temperature T_(C2), and magnetization of thelayer 2 also disappears (Condition 4_(H)).

In Condition 4_(H), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the temperature of the medium begins to decrease. Whenthe temperature of the medium decreases slightly below the temperatureT_(C2), magnetization appears in the layer 2. In this case,magnetization (↓↑) is generated by ↑Hb (Condition 5_(H)). However, sincethe temperature is yet higher than the temperature T_(C1), nomagnetization appears in the layer 1.

When the temperature of the medium further decreases below thetemperature Tcomp.2, the relationship between the strengths of the REand TM vectors is reversed (↓↑→↓↑) although the directions of the RE andTM spins remain the same. As a result, the direction of magnetization ofthe alloy as a whole is reversed from to the "non-A direction"(Condition 6_(H)).

In Condition 6_(H), since the temperature of the medium is higher thanthe temperature T_(C1), magnetization of the layer 1 has not yetappeared. In addition, since the coersivity H_(C2) at this temperatureis high, the direction of magnetization of the layer 2 cannot bereversed by the field ↑Hb.

When the temperature of the medium decreases and is slightly below thetemperature T_(C1), magnetization appears in the layer 1. At this time,the exchange coupling force from the layer 2 acts to align each of theRE and TM spins (↓ and ↑) of the layers 1 and 2. Since the temperatureof the layer 1 is higher than the temperature Tcomp.1, the TM spin islarger than the RE spin, and hence, magnetization of ↓↑, i.e. appears inthe layer 1. This state is Condition 7_(H).

When the temperature of the medium is decreased from the temperature inCondition 7_(H) and is below the temperature Tcomp.1, the relationshipsbetween the strengths of the RE and TM spins of the layer 1 is reversed(↓↑→↓↑). As a result, magnetization of appears (Condition 8_(H)).

Then, the temperature of the medium decreases from the temperature inCondition 8_(H) to the room temperature. Since the coersivity H_(C1) atthe room temperature is sufficiently high, Condition 8_(H) is maintainedwithout reversing the direction of magnetization of the layer 1 by thefield ↑Hb. In this way, bit formation in the "non-A direction" iscompleted.

Next, the low-temperature cycle will be described with reference to FIG.15.

LOW-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1 immediately before recording, the medium temperature isincreased to T_(L) upon irradiation of the low-level laser beam. Sincethe temperature T_(L) is substantially equal to the Curie temperatureT_(C1) of the recording layer 1, magnetization of the layer 1 disappears(Condition 2_(L)).

In Condition 2_(L), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the medium temperature begins to fall. When the mediumtemperature is slightly below the temperature T_(C1), the recordinglayer 1 is influenced by the RE and TM spins (↑↓) of the reference layer2 due to the exchange coupling force. In other words, the exchangecoupling force acts to align each of the RE and TM spins (↑and ↓) of thelayers 1 and 2. As a result, magnetization of ↑↓, i.e., , without regardto the bias field ↑Hb, appears in the layer 1 (Condition 3_(L)). Sincethe temperature in Condition 3_(L) is higher than the temperatureTcomp.1, the TM spin is larger than the RE spin.

When the medium temperature is decreased below the temperature Tcomp.1,the relationship between the RE and TM spins of the first layer isreversed (↑↓→↑↓) in the same manner as in the high-temperature cycle. Asa result, the magnetization of the layer 1 is (Condition 4_(L)).

Condition 4_(L) is maintained even if the medium temperature isdecreased to the room temperature. In this way, bit formation in the "Adirection" is completed.

The principle of the method of the present invention will be describedin detail using a specific medium No. 2 belonging to Class 2 (P type,Quadrant I, Type 2) shown in Table 1.

The medium No. 2 satisfies Formula 16:

    T.sub.R <T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L ≈Tcomp.2 <T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.H

The graph of FIG. 16 shows this relation.

A condition that reverses the direction of magnetization of thereference layer 2 without reversing that of the recording layer 1 by theinitial field (Hini.) at the room temperature T_(R) is represented byFormula 17. The medium No. 2 satisfies Formula 17 at the T_(R) :

    H.sub.C1 >H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)+(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)

where

H_(C1) : coersivity of recording layer 1

H_(C2) : coersivity of reference layer 2

M_(S1) : saturation magnetization of layer 1

M_(S2) : saturation magnetization of layer 2

t₁ : film thickness of layer 1

t₂ : film thickness of layer 2

σ_(w) : interface wall energy

At this time, a condition for the Hini. is represented by Formula 20. Ifthe Hini. disappears, reversed magnetization of the reference layer 2 isinfluenced by magnetization of the recording layer 1 due to an exchangecoupling force. The condition that can hold the direction ofmagnetization of the layer 2 is represented by Formulas 18 and 19. Themedium No. 2 satisfies Formulas 18 and 19.

    H.sub.C1 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)               Formula 18

    H.sub.C2 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)               Formula 19

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)<|Hini.|<H.sub.C1 -(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)                                                  Formula 20

The layer 2's magnetization of the recording medium which can satisfyFormulas 17 to 19 at the T_(R) is aligned along the "A direction" (↑↓)by the Hini. which satisfies Formula 20. At this time, the recordinglayer 1 is maintained in the recorded state (Condition 1 in FIGS. 17 and18).

Condition 1 is held to a point immediately before the recording. In thiscase, the bias field (Hb) is applied in the direction of ↑.

The high-temperature cycle will now be described with reference to FIG.17. HIGH-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1, when the medium temperature is increased to T_(L) uponirradiation of the high-level laser beam, since the temperature T_(L) issubstantially equal to the Curie temperature T_(C1) of the recordinglayer 1, magnetization of the layer 1 disappears (Condition 2_(H))

When the laser-beam radiation further continues, the temperature of themedium increases accordingly. When the temperature of the mediumslightly exceeds the temperature Tcomp.2 of the reference layer 2, therelationship between the strengths of the RE and TM vectors is reversed(↑↓→↑↓) although the directions of the RE and TM spins remain the same.For this reason, the direction of magnetization of the layer 2 isreversed to the "non-A direction" (Condition 3_(H)).

However, since the coersivity H_(C2) is still high at this temperature,the direction of magnetization of the layer 2 will not be reversed bythe field Hb(↑). When the temperature further increases and reaches thetemperature T_(H), the temperature of the layer 2 substantiallycorresponds to the Curie temperature T_(C2), and magnetization of thelayer 2 also disappears (Condition 4_(H)).

In Condition 4_(H), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the temperature of the medium begins to decrease. Whenthe temperature of the medium decreases slightly below the temperatureT_(C2), magnetization appears in the layer 2. In this case,magnetization (↓↑) is generated by ↑Hb (Condition 5_(H)). However, sincethe temperature is yet higher than the temperature T_(C1), nomagnetization appears in the layer 1.

When the temperature of the medium further decreases below thetemperature Tcomp.2, the relationship between the strengths of the REand TM vectors is reversed (↓↑→↓↑) although the directions of the RE andTM spins remain the same. As a result, the direction of magnetization ofthe alloy as a whole is reversed from to the "non-A direction"(Condition 6_(H)).

In Condition 6_(H), since the temperature of the medium is higher thanthe temperature T_(C1), magnetization of the layer 1 has not yetappeared. In addition, since the coersivity H_(C2) at this temperatureis high, the direction of magnetization of the layer 2 cannot bereversed by the field ↑Hb.

When the temperature of the medium decreases and is slightly below thetemperature T_(C1), magnetization appears in the layer 1. At this time,the exchange coupling force from the layer 2 acts to align each of theRE and TM spins (↓ and ↑) of the layers 1 and 2. Thus, magnetization of↓↑, i.e., appears in the layer 1. This state is Condition 7_(H).

Then, the temperature of the medium decreases from the temperature inCondition 7_(H) to the room temperature. Since the coersivity H_(C1) atthe room temperature is sufficiently high, Condition 7_(H) is maintainedwithout reversing the direction of magnetization of the layer 1 by thefield ↑Hb. In this way, bit formation in the "non-A direction" iscompleted.

Next, the low-temperature cycle will be described with reference to FIG.18.

LOW-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1 immediately before recording, the medium temperature isincreased to T_(L) upon irradiation of the low-level laser beam. Sincethe temperature T_(L) is substantially equal to the Curie temperatureT_(C1) of the recording layer 1, magnetization of the layer 1 disappears(Condition 2_(L)).

In Condition 2_(L), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the medium temperature begins to fall. When the mediumtemperature is slightly below the temperature T_(C1), the recordinglayer 1 is influenced by the RE and TM spins (↑↓) of the reference layer2 due to the exchange coupling force. In other words, the exchangecoupling force acts to align each of the RE and TM spins (↑ and ↓) ofthe layers 1 and 2. As a result, magnetization of ↑↓, i.e., , appears inthe layer 1 (Condition 3_(L)).

Condition 3_(L) is maintained even if the medium temperature isdecreased to the room temperature. As a result, a bit in the "Adirection" is formed in the recording layer 1.

The principle of the method of the present invention will be describedin detail using a specific medium No. 3 belonging to Class 3 (P type,Quadrant I, Type 3) shown in Table 1.

The medium No. 3 satisfies Formula 21:

    T.sub.R <Tcomp.1<T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L <T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.H

The graph of FIG. 19 shows this relation.

A condition that reverses the direction of magnetization of thereference layer 2 without reversing that of the recording layer 1 by theinitial field (Hini.) at the room temperature T_(R) is represented byFormula 22. The medium No. 3 satisfies Formula 22 at the T_(R) :

    H.sub.C1 >H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 T.sub.1)+(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)

where

H_(C1) : coersivity of recording layer 1

H_(C2) : coersivity of reference layer 2

M_(S1) : saturation magnetization of layer 1

M_(S2) : saturation magnetization of layer 2

t₁ : film thickness of layer 1

t₂ : film thickness of layer 2

σ_(w) : interface wall energy

At this time, a condition for the Hini. is represented by Formula 25. Ifthe Hini. disappears, reversed magnetization of the reference layer 2 isinfluenced by magnetization of the recording layer 1 due to an exchangecoupling force. The condition that can hold the direction ofmagnetization of the layer 2 is represented by Formulas 23 and 24. Themedium No. 3 satisfies Formulas 23 and 24.

    H.sub.C1 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)               Formula 23

    H.sub.C2 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)               Formula 24

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)<|Hini.|<H.sub.C1 -(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)                                                  Formula 25

The layer 2's magnetization of the recording medium which can satisfyFormulas 22 to 24 at the T_(R) is aligned along the "A direction" (↑↓)by the Hini. which satisfies Formula 25. At this time, the recordinglayer 1 is maintained in the recorded state (Condition 1 in FIGS. 20 and21).

Condition 1 is held to a point immediately before the recording. In thiscase, the bias field (Hb) is applied in the direction of ↓.

The high-temperature cycle will now be described with reference to FIG.20.

HIGH-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1, when the medium temperature is increased to T_(L) uponirradiation of the high-level laser beam, since the temperature T_(L) issubstantially equal to the Curie temperature T_(C1) of the recordinglayer 1, magnetization of the layer 1 disappears (Condition 2_(H)).

When the laser-beam radiation further continues, since the temperatureT_(H) of the medium is substantially equal to the temperature T_(C2),magnetization of the layer 2 also disappears (Condition 3_(H)).

In Condition 3_(H), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the temperature of the medium begins to decrease. Whenthe temperature of the medium decreases slightly below the temperatureT_(C2), magnetization appears in the layer 2. In this case,magnetization (↓↑) is generated by ↓Hb. However, since the temperatureis yet higher than the temperature T_(C1), no magnetization appears inthe layer 1. This state is Condition 4_(H).

When the temperature of the medium decreases and is slightly below thetemperature T_(C1), magnetization appears in the layer 1. At this time,the exchange coupling force from the layer 2 acts to align each of theRE and TM spins (↓ and ↑) of the layers 1 and 2. Since the temperatureof the medium is higher than the temperature Tcomp.1, the TM spin islarger than the RE spin (↓↑). As a result, magnetization of appears inthe layer 1 (Condition 5_(H)).

When the medium temperature further decreases from the temperature inCondition 5_(H) and is below the temperature Tcomp.1, the relationshipbetween the strengths of the TM and RE spins of the layer 1 is reversed(↓↑→↓↑). For this reason, the direction of magnetization of the layer 1is reversed to the "non-A direction" (Condition 6_(H)).

Then, the temperature of the medium decreases from the temperature inCondition 6_(H) to the room temperature. Since the coersivity H_(C1) atthe room temperature is sufficiently high, magnetization of the layer 1is stably maintained. In this way, bit formation in the "non-Adirection" is completed.

Next, the low-temperature cycle will be described with reference to FIG.21.

LOW-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1 immediately before recording, the medium temperature isincreased to T_(L) upon irradiation of the low-level laser beam. Sincethe temperature T_(L) is substantially equal to the Curie temperatureT_(C1) of the recording layer 1, magnetization of the layer 1disappears. However, at this temperature, since the coersivity H_(C2) ofthe layer 2 is sufficiently high, magnetization of the layer 2 will notbe reversed by the bias field ↓Hb (Condition 2_(L)).

In Condition 2_(L), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the medium temperature begins to fall. When the mediumtemperature is slightly below the temperature T_(C1), the respectivespins of the recording layer 1 are influenced by the RE and TM spins(↑↓) of the reference layer 2 due to the exchange coupling force. Inother words, the exchange coupling force acts to align each of the REand TM spins (↑ and ↓) of the layers 1 and 2. As a result, magnetizationof ↑↓, i.e., , appears in the layer 1. In this case, since the mediumtemperature is higher than the temperature Tcomp.1, the TM spin islarger than the RE spin (Condition 3_(L)).

When the medium temperature is further decreased below the temperatureTcomp.1, the relationship between the strengths of the RE and TM spinsof the layer 1 is reversed in the same manner as in the high-temperaturecycle (↑↓→↑↓). As a result, magnetization of , without regard to thebias field ↓Hb, appears in the layer 1 (Condition 4_(L)).

Condition 4_(L) is maintained even if the medium temperature isdecreased to the room temperature. In this way, bit formation in the "Adirection" is completed.

The principle of the method of the present invention will be describedin detail using a specific medium No. 4 belonging to Class 4 (P type,Quadrant I, Type 4) shown in Table 1.

The medium No. 4 satisfies Formula 26:

    T.sub.R <T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L <T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.H

The graph of FIG. 22 shows this relation.

A condition that reverses the direction of magnetization of thereference layer 2 without reversing that of the recording layer 1 by theinitial field (Hini.) at the room temperature T_(R) is represented byFormula 27. The medium No. 4 satisfies Formula 27 at the T_(R) :

    H.sub.C1 >H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)+(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)

where

H_(C1) : coersivity of recording layer 1

H_(C2) : coersivity of reference layer 2

M_(S1) : saturation magnetization of layer 1

M_(S2) : saturation magnetization of layer 2

t₁ : film thickness of layer 1

t₂ : film thickness of layer 2

σ_(w) : interface wall energy

At this time, a condition for the Hini. is represented by Formula 30. Ifthe Hini. disappears, reversed magnetization of the reference layer 2 isinfluenced by magnetization of the recording layer 1 due to an exchangecoupling force. The condition that can hold the direction ofmagnetization of the layer 2 is represented by Formulas 28 and 29. Themedium No. 4 satisfies Formulas 28 and 29.

    H.sub.C1 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)               Formula 28

    H.sub.C2 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)               Formula 29

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)<|Hini.|<H.sub.C1 -(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)                                                  Formula 30

The layer 2's magnetization of the recording medium which can satisfyFormulas 27 to 29 at the T_(R) is aligned along the "A direction" (↑↓)by the Hini. which satisfies Formula 30. At this time, the recordinglayer 1 is maintained in the recorded state (Condition 1 in FIGS. 23 and24).

Condition 1 is held to a point immediately before the recording. In thiscase, the bias field (Hb) is applied in the direction of ↓.

The high-temperature cycle will now be described with reference to FIG.23.

HIGH-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

When the medium temperature is increased to T_(L) upon irradiation ofthe high-level laser beam, since the temperature T_(L) is substantiallyequal to the Curie temperature T_(C1) of the recording layer 1,magnetization of the layer 1 disappears (Condition 2_(H)).

When the laser-beam radiation further continues and the mediumtemperature is equal to the temperature T_(H), since the temperatureT_(H) of the layer 2 is substantially equal to the Curie temperatureT_(C2), magnetization of the layer 2 also disappears. This state isCondition 3_(H).

In Condition 3_(H), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the temperature of the medium begins to decrease. Whenthe temperature of the medium decreases slightly below the temperatureT_(C2), magnetization of the layer 2 appears. In this case,magnetization (↓↑) is generated by ↓Hb. However, since the temperatureis yet higher than the temperature T_(C1), no magnetization appears inthe layer 1. This state is Condition 4_(H).

When the temperature of the medium decreases and is slightly below thetemperature T_(C1), magnetization appears in the layer 1. At this time,the exchange coupling force from the layer 2 acts to align each of theRE and TM spins (↓ and ↑) of the layers 1 and 2. As a result,magnetization of ↓↑, i.e., appears in the layer 1. This state isCondition 5_(H).

Then, the temperature of the medium decreases from the temperature inCondition 5_(H) to the room temperature. Since the coersivity H_(C1) atthe room temperature is sufficiently high, magnetization of the layer 1is stably maintained. In this way, bit formation in the "non-Adirection" is completed.

Next, the low-temperature cycle will be described with reference to FIG.24.

LOW-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1 immediately before recording, the medium temperature isincreased to T_(L) upon irradiation of the low-level laser beam. Sincethe temperature T_(L) exceeds the Curie temperature T_(C1) of therecording layer 1, magnetization of the layer 1 disappears. However, atthis temperature, since the coersivity H_(C2) of the layer 2 issufficiently high, magnetization of the layer 2 will not be reversed bythe bias field ↓Hb. This state is Condition 2_(L)

In Condition 2_(L), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the medium temperature begins to fall. When the mediumtemperature is slightly below the temperature T_(C1), the respectivespins of the recording layer 1 are influenced by the RE and TM spins(↑↓) of the reference layer 2 due to the exchange coupling force. Inother words, the exchange coupling force acts to align each of the REand TM spins (↑ and ↓) of the layers 1 and 2. As a result, magnetizationof ↑↓, i.e., , without regard to the bias field ↓Hb, appears in thelayer 1. This state is Condition 3_(L).

Condition 3_(L) is maintained even if the medium temperature isdecreased to the room temperature. In this way, bit formation in the "Adirection" is completed.

The principle of the method of the present invention will be describedin detail using a specific medium No. 5 belonging to Class 5 (A type,Quadrant II, type 3) shown in Table 1.

The medium No. 5 satisfies Formula 31:

    R.sub.R <Tcomp.1 <T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L <T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.H

The graph of FIG. 25 shows this relation.

A condition that reverses the direction of magnetization of thereference layer 2 without reversing that of the recording layer 1 by theinitial field (Hini.) at the room temperature T_(R) is represented byFormula 32. The medium No. 5 satisfies Formula 32 at the T_(R) :

    H.sub.C1 >H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1) -(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)|

where

H_(C1) : coersivity of recording layer 1

H_(C2) : coersivity of reference layer 2

M_(S1) : saturation magnetization of layer 1

M_(S2) : saturation magnetization of layer 2

t₁ : film thickness of layer 1

t₂ : film thickness of layer 2

σ_(w) : interface wall energy

At this time, a condition for the Hini. is represented by Formula 35. Ifthe Hini. disappears, reversed magnetization of the reference layer 2 isinfluenced by magnetization of the recording layer 1 due to an exchangecoupling force. The condition that can hold the direction ofmagnetization of the layer 2 is represented by Formulas 33 and 34. Themedium No. 5 satisfies Formulas 33 and 34.

    H.sub.C1 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)               Formula 33

    H.sub.C2 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)               Formula 34

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)<|Hini.|<H.sub.C1 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)                                                  Formula 35

The layer 2's magnetization of the recording medium which can satisfyFormulas 32 to 34 at the T_(R) is aligned along the "A direction" (↓↑)by the Hini. which satisfies Formula 35. At this time, the recordinglayer 1 is maintained in the recorded state (Condition 1 in FIGS. 26 and27).

Condition 1 is held to a point immediately before the recording. In thiscase, the bias field (Hb) is applied in the direction of ↓.

The high-temperature cycle will now be described with reference to FIG.26.

HIGH-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

When the medium temperature is increased to T_(L) upon irradiation ofthe high-level laser beam, since the temperature T_(L) is substantiallyequal to the Curie temperature T_(C1) of the recording layer 1,magnetization of the layer 1 disappears (Condition 2_(H)).

When the laser-beam radiation further continues and the mediumtemperature is equal to the temperature T_(H), since the temperatureT_(H) of the layer 2 is substantially equal to the Curie temperatureT_(C2), magnetization of the layer 2 also disappears (Condition 3_(H)).

In Condition 3_(H), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the temperature of the medium begins to decrease. Whenthe temperature of the medium decreases slightly below the temperatureT_(C2), magnetization of the layer 2 appears. In this case,magnetization (↑↓) is generated by ↓Hb. However, since the temperatureis yet higher than the temperature T_(C1), no magnetization appears inthe layer 1. This state is Condition 4_(H).

When the temperature of the medium is further decreased slightly belowthe temperature T_(C1), magnetization appears in the layer 1. At thistime, the exchange coupling force from the layer 2 acts to align each ofthe RE and TM spins (↑ and ↓) of the layers 1 and 2. In this case, sincethe medium temperature is yet higher than the temperature Tcomp.1, theTM spin is larger than the RE spin (↑↓). As a result, magnetization ofappears in the layer 2 (Condition 5_(H)).

When the medium temperature is decreased below the temperature Tcomp.1from the temperature in Condition 5_(H), the relationship between thestrengths of the TM and RE spins of the layer 1 is reversed (↑↓→↑↓). Forthis reason, magnetization of the layer 1 is reversed to the"A-direction" (Condition 6_(H)).

Then, the temperature of the medium decreases from the temperature inCondition 6_(H) to the room temperature. Since the coersivity H_(C1) atthe room temperature is sufficiently high, magnetization of the layer 1is stably maintained. In this way, bit formation in the "A direction" iscompleted.

Next, the low-temperature cycle will be described with reference to FIG.27.

LOW-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1 immediately before recording, the medium temperature isincreased to T_(L) upon irradiation of the low-level laser beam. Sincethe temperature T_(L) is substantially equal to the Curie temperatureT_(C1) of the recording layer 1, magnetization of the layer 1disappears. However, at this temperature, since the coersivity H_(C2) ofthe layer 2 is sufficiently high, magnetization of the layer 2 will notbe reversed by the bias field ↓Hb (Condition 2_(L)).

When the beam radiation is completed in Condition 2_(L), the mediumtemperature begins to fall. When the medium temperature is slightlybelow the temperature T_(C1), the respective spins of the recordinglayer 1 are influenced by the RE and TM spins (↓↑) of the referencelayer 2 due to the exchange coupling force. In other words, the exchangecoupling force acts to align each of the RE and TM spins and (↓ and ↑)of the layers 1 and 2. As a result, magnetization of ↓↑, i.e., , withoutregard to bias field ↓Hb, appears in the layer 1. In this case, sincethe medium temperature is higher than the temperature Tcomp.1, the TMspin is larger than the RE spin (Condition 3_(L)).

When the medium temperature is decreased below the temperature Tcomp.1,the relationship between the strengths of the RE and TM spins of thelayer 1 is reversed as well as the high-temperature cycle (↓↑→↓↑) As aresult, the magnetization of the layer 1 is (Condition 4_(L)).

Condition 4_(L) is maintained even if the medium temperature isdecreased to the room temperature. In this way, bit formation in the"non-A direction" is completed.

The principle of the method of the present invention will be describedin detail using a specific medium No. 6 belonging to Class 6 (A type,Quadrant II, Type 4) shown in Table 1.

The medium No. 6 satisfies Formula 36

    T.sub.R <T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L <T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.H

The graph of FIG. 28 shows this relation.

A condition that reverses the direction of magnetization of thereference layer 2 without reversing that of the recording layer 1 by theinitial field (Hini.) at the room temperature T_(R) is represented byFormula 37. The medium No. 6 satisfies Formula 37 at the T_(R) :

    H.sub.C1 >H.sub.C2 +|(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)-(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)|

where

H_(C1) : coersivity of recording layer 1

H_(C2) : coersivity of reference layer 2

M_(S1) : saturation magnetization of layer 1

M_(S2) : saturation magnetization of layer 2

t₁ : film thickness of layer 1

t₂ : film thickness of layer 2

σ_(w) : interface wall energy

At this time, a condition for the Hini. is represented by Formula 40. Ifthe Hini. disappears, reversed magnetization of the reference layer 2 isinfluenced by magnetization of the recording layer 1 due to an exchangecoupling force. The condition that can hold the direction ofmagnetization of the layer 2 is represented by Formulas 38 and 39. Themedium No. 6 satisfies Formulas 38 and 39.

    H.sub.C1 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)               Formula 38

    H.sub.C2 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)               Formula 39

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)<|Hini.|<H.sub.C1 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)                                                  Formula 40

The layer 2's magnetization of the recording medium which can satisfyFormulas 37 to 39 at the T_(R) is aligned along the "A direction" (↓↑)by the Hini. which satisfies Formula 40. At this time, the recordinglayer 1 is maintained in the recorded state (Condition 1 in FIGS. 29 and30).

Condition 1 is held to a point immediately before the recording. In thiscase, the bias field (Hb) is applied in the direction of ↓.

The high-temperature cycle will now be described with reference to FIG.29.

HIGH-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1 when the medium temperature is increased to T_(L) uponirradiation of the high-level laser beam, since the temperature T_(L) issubstantially equal to the Curie temperature T_(C1) of the recordinglayer 1, magnetization of the layer 1 disappears (Condition 2_(H)).

When the laser-beam radiation further continues and the mediumtemperature is equal to the temperature T_(H), since the temperatureT_(H) of the layer 2 is substantially equal to the Curie temperatureT_(C2), magnetization of the layer 2 also disappears. This state isCondition 3_(H).

In Condition 3_(H), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the temperature of the medium begins to decrease. Whenthe temperature of the medium decreases slightly below the temperatureT_(C2), magnetization of the layer 2 appears. In this case,magnetization (↑↓) is generated by ↓Hb. However, since the temperatureis yet higher than the temperature T_(C1), no magnetization appears inthe layer 1. This state is Condition 4_(H).

When the temperature of the medium is further decreased slightly belowthe temperature T_(C1), magnetization appears in the layer 1. At thistime, the exchange coupling force from the layer 2 acts to align each ofthe RE and TM spins (↑ and ↓) of the layers 1 and 2. For this reason,magnetization ↑↓, i.e., , without regard to the bias field ↓Hb, appearsin the layer 1. This state is Condition 5_(H).

Then, the temperature of the medium decreases from the temperature inCondition 5_(H) to the room temperature. Since the coersivity H_(C1) atthe room temperature is sufficiently high, magnetization of the layer 1is stably maintained. In this way, bit formation in the "A direction" iscompleted.

Next, the low-temperature cycle will be described with reference to FIG.30.

LOW-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1 immediately before recording, the medium temperature isincreased to T_(L) upon irradiation of the low-level laser beam. Sincethe temperature T_(L) is substantially equal to the Curie temperatureT_(C1) of the recording layer 1, magnetization of the layer 1disappears. In this state, however, since the coersivity H_(C2) of thelayer 2 is sufficiently high, magnetization of the layer 2 will not bereversed by the bias field ↓Hb. This state is Condition 2_(L).

In Condition 2_(L), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the medium temperature begins to fall. When the mediumtemperature is slightly below the temperature T_(C1), the respectivespins of the recording layer 1 are influenced by the RE and TM spins(↓↑) of the reference layer 2 due to the exchange coupling force. Inother words, the exchange coupling force acts to align each of the REand TM spins (↓ and ↑) of the layers 1 and 2. As a result, magnetizationof ↓↑, i.e., , appears in the layer 1. This state is Condition 3_(L).

Condition 3_(L) is maintained even if the medium temperature isdecreased to the room temperature. In this way, bit formation in the"non-A direction" is completed.

The principle of the method of the present invention will be describedin detail using a specific medium No. 7 belonging to Class 7 (P type,Quadrant III, Type 4) shown in Table 1.

The medium No. 7 satisfies Formula 41:

    T.sub.R <T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L <T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.H

The graph of FIG. 31 shows this relation.

A condition that reverses the direction of magnetization of thereference layer 2 without reversing that of the recording layer 1 by theinitial field (Hini.) at the room temperature T_(R) is represented byFormula 42. The medium No. 7 satisfies Formula 42 at the T_(R) :

    H.sub.C1 >H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w / 2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)+(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)

where

H_(C1) : coersivity of recording layer 1

H_(C2) : coersivity of reference layer 2

M_(S1) : saturation magnetization of layer 1

M_(S2) : saturation magnetization of layer 2

t₁ : film thickness of layer 1

t₂ : film thickness of layer 2

σ_(w) : interface wall energy

At this time, a condition for the Hini. is represented by Formula 45. Ifthe Hini. disappears, reversed magnetization of the reference layer 2 isinfluenced by magnetization of the recording layer 1 due to an exchangecoupling force. The condition that can hold the direction ofmagnetization of the layer 2 is represented by Formulas 43 and 44. Themedium No. 7 satisfies Formulas 43 and 44.

    H.sub.C1 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)               Formula 43

    H.sub.C2 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)               Formula 44

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)<|Hini.|<H.sub.C1 -(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)                                                  Formula 45

The layer 2's magnetization of the recording medium which can satisfyFormulas 42 to 44 at the T_(R) is aligned along the "A direction" (↓↑)by the Hini. which satisfies Formula 45. At this time, the recordinglayer 1 is maintained in the recorded state (Condition 1 in FIGS. 32 and33). Condition 1 is held to a point immediately before the recording. Inthis case, the base field (Hb) is applied in the direction of ↓.

The high-temperature cycle will now be described with reference to FIG.32.

HIGH-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1 when the medium temperature is increased to T_(L) uponirradiation of the high level laser beam, since the temperature T_(L) issubstantially equal to the Curie temperature T_(C1) of the recordinglayer 1, magnetization of the layer 1 disappears (Condition 2_(H)).

When the laser-beam radiation continues and the medium temperature isequal to the temperature T_(H), since the temperature T_(H) of the layer2 is substantially equal to the Curie temperature T_(C2), magnetizationof the layer 2 also disappears. This state is Condition 3_(H).

In Condition 3_(H), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the temperature of the medium begins to decrease. Whenthe temperature of the medium decreases slightly below the temperatureT_(C2), magnetization of the layer 2 appears. In this case,magnetization (↑↓) is generated by ↓Hb. However, since the temperatureis yet higher than the temperature T_(C1), no magnetization appears inthe layer 1. This state is Condition 4_(H). When the temperature of themedium is further decreased slightly below the temperature T_(C1),magnetization appears in the layer 1. At this time, the exchangecoupling force from the layer 2 (↑↓) acts to align each of the RE and TMspins (↑ and ↓) of the layers 1 and 2. For this reason, magnetization↑↓, i.e., appears in the layer 1. This state is Condition 5_(H).

Then, the temperature of the medium decreases from the temperature inCondition 5_(H) to the room temperature. Since the coersivity H_(C1) atthe room temperature is sufficiently high, magnetization of the layer 1is stably maintained. In this way, bit formation in the "non-Adirection" is completed.

Next, the low-temperature cycle will be described with reference to FIG.33.

LOW-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1 immediately before recording, the medium temperature isincreased to T_(L) upon irradiation of the low-level laser beam. Sincethe temperature T_(L) is substantially equal to the Curie temperatureT_(C1) of the recording layer 1, magnetization of the layer 1disappears. In this state, however, since the coersivity H_(C2) of thelayer 2 is sufficiently high, magnetization of the layer 2 will not bereversed by the bias field ↓Hb. This state is Condition 2_(L).

In Condition 2_(L), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the medium temperature begins to fall. When the mediumtemperature is slightly below the temperature T_(C1), the respectivespins of the recording layer 1 are influenced by the RE and TM spins(↑↓) of the reference layer 2 due to the exchange coupling force. Inother words, the exchange coupling force acts to align each of the REand TM spins (↓ and ↑) of the layers 1 and 2. As a result, magnetizationof ↓↑, i.e., , without regard to the bias field Hb, appears in thelayer 1. This state is Condition 3_(L).

Condition 3_(L) is maintained even if the medium temperature isdecreased to the room temperature. In this way, bit formation in the "Adirection" is completed.

The principle of the method of the present invention will be describedin detail using a specific medium No. 8 belonging to Class 8 (A type,Quadrant IV, Type 2) shown in Table 1.

The medium No. 8 satisfies Formula 46:

T_(R) <T_(C1) ≈T_(L) ≈Tcomp.2 <T_(C2) ≈T_(H)

The graph of FIG. 34 shows this relation.

A condition that reverses the direction of magnetization of thereference layer 2 without reversing that of the recording layer 1 by theinitial field (Hini.) at the room temperature T_(R) is represented byFormula 47. The medium No. 8 satisfies Formula 47 at the T_(R) :

    H.sub.C1 >H.sub.C2 +|(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)-(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)|

where

H_(C1) : coersivity of recording layer 1

H_(C2) : coersivity of reference layer 2

M_(S1) : saturation magnetization of layer 1

M_(S2) : saturation magnetization of layer 2

t₁ : film thickness of layer 1

t₂ : film thickness of layer 2

σ_(w) : interface wall energy

At this time, a condition for the Hini. is represented by Formula 50. Ifthe Hini. disappears, reversed magnetization of the reference layer 2 isinfluenced by magnetization of the recording layer 1 due to an exchangecoupling force. The condition that can hold the direction ofmagnetization of the layer 2 is represented by Formulas 48 and 49. Themedium No. 8 satisfies Formulas 48 and 49.

    H.sub.C1 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)               Formula 48

    H.sub.C2 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)               Formula 49

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)<|Hini.|<H.sub.C1 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)                                                  Formula 50

The layer 2's magnetization of the recording medium which can satisfyFormulas 47 to 49 at the T_(R) is aligned along the "A direction" (↑↓)by the Hini. Which satisfies Formula 50. At this time the recordinglayer 1 is maintained in the recorded state (Condition 1 in FIGS. 35 and36).

Condition 1 is held to a point immediately before the recording. In thiscase, the bias field (Hb) is applied in the direction of ↑.

The high-temperature cycle will now be described with reference to FIG.35.

HIGH-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1 when the medium temperature is increased to T_(L) uponirradiation of the high-level laser beam, since the temperature T_(L) issubstantially equal to the Curie temperature T_(C1) of the recordinglayer 1, magnetization of the layer 1 disappears (Condition 2_(H)).

When the laser-beam radiation continues and the medium temperature isslightly higher than the temperature Tcomp.2, the relationship betweenthe strengths of the RE and TM spins is reversed (↑↓→↑↓) although thedirections thereof (↑ and ↓) remain the same. As a result, the directionof the magnetization of the layer 2 is reversed to "non-A direction" .This state is Condition 3_(H).

At this temperature, however, since the coersivity H_(C2) is yet high,magnetization of the layer 2 will not be reversed by the bias field ↑Hb.Assume that the laser-beam radiation further continues and the mediumtemperature is increased to T_(H). Since the temperature T_(H) issubstantially equal to the temperature T_(C2), magnetization of thelayer 2 also disappears (Condition 4_(H)).

In Condition 4_(H), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the temperature of the medium begins to decrease. Whenthe temperature of the medium decreases slightly below the temperatureT_(C2), magnetization of the layer 2 appears. In this case,magnetization (↓↑) is generated by ↑Hb. However, since the temperatureis yet higher than the temperature T_(C1), no magnetization appears inthe layer 1. This state is Condition 5_(H).

When the temperature of the medium is further decreased slightly belowthe temperature Tcomp. 1, the relationship between the strengths of theRE and TM spins is reversed (↓↑→↓↑) without reversing the directionsthereof (↓ and ↑). As a result, the direction of magnetization of thelayer 2 is reversed to "non-A direction" . In this state, since thecoersivity H_(C2) is already sufficiently high, magnetization of thelayer 2 will not be reversed by the bias field ↑Hb. In this case, sincethe medium temperature is yet higher than the temperature T_(C1), nomagnetization appears in the layer 1. This state is Condition 6_(H).

When the medium temperature further decreases slightly below thetemperature T_(C1), magnetization also appears in the layer 1. At thistime, magnetization (↓↑) of the layer 1 influences the layer 1 due tothe exchange coupling force to align each of the RE and TM spins (↓ and↑) of the layers 1 and 2. For this reason, magnetization ↓↑, i.e.,appears in the layer 1 (Condition 7_(H)).

Then, the temperature of the medium decreases from the temperature inCondition 7_(H) to the room temperature. Since the coersivity H_(C1) atthe room temperature is sufficiently high, magnetization of the layer 1is stably maintained. In this way, bit formation in the "A direction" iscompleted.

Next, the low-temperature cycle will be described with reference to FIG.36.

LOW-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1 immediately before recording, the medium temperature isincreased to T_(L) upon irradiation of the low-level laser beam. Sincethe temperature T_(L) is substantially equal to the Curie temperatureT_(C1) of the recording layer 1, magnetization of the layer 1disappears. In this state, however, since the coersivity H_(C2) of thelayer 2 is sufficiently high, magnetization of the layer 2 will not bereversed by the bias field ↑Hb (Condition 2L).

In Condition 2_(L), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the medium temperature begins to fall. When the mediumtemperature begins to fall. When the medium temperature is slightlybelow the temperature T_(C1), the respective spins of the recordinglayer 1 are influenced by the RE and TM spins (↑↓) of the referencelayer 2 due to the exchange coupling force. In other words, the exchangecoupling force acts to align each of the RE and TM spins (↑ and ↓) ofthe layers 1 and 2. As a result, magnetization of ↑↓, i.e., , withoutregard to the bias field ↓Hb, appears in the layer 1. This state isCondition 3_(L).

Condition 3_(L) is maintained even if the medium temperature isdecreased to the room temperature. In this way, bit formation in the"non-A direction" is completed.

The principle of the method of the present invention will be descirbedin detail using a specific medium No. 9 belonging to Class 9 (A type,Quadrant IV, Type 4) shown in Table 1.

The medium No. 9 satisfies Formula 51:

    T.sub.R <T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L <T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.H

The graph of FIG. 37 shows this relation.

A condition that reverses the direction of magnetization of thereference layer 2 without reversing that of the recording layer 1 by theinitial field (Hini.) at the room temperature T_(R) is represented byFormula 52. The medium No. 9 satisfies Formula 52 at the T_(R) :

    H.sub.C1 >H.sub.C2 +|(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)-(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)|

where

H_(C1) : coersivity of recording layer 1

H_(C2) : coersivity of reference layer 2

M_(S1) : saturation magnetization of layer 1

M_(S2) : saturation magnetization of layer 2

t₁ : film thickness of layer 1

t₂ : film thickness of layer 2

σ_(w) : interface wall energy

At this time, a condition for the Hini. is represented by Formula 50. Ifthe Hini. disappears, reversed magnetization of the reference layer 2 isinfluenced by magnetization of the recording layer 1 due to an exchangecoupling force. The condition that can hold the direction ofmagnetization of the layer 2 is represented by Formulas 53 and 54. Themedium No. 9 satisfies Formulas 53 and 54.

    H.sub.C1 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)               Formula 53

    H.sub.C2 >(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)               Formula 54

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)<|Hini.|<H.sub.C1 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)                                                  Formula 55

The layer 2's magnetization of the recording medium which can satisfyFormulas 52 to 54 at the T_(R) is aligned along the "A direction" (↑↓)by the Hini. which satisfies Formula 55. At this time, the recordinglayer 1 is maintained in the recorded state (Condition 1 in FIGS. 38 and39).

Condition 1 is held to a point immediately before the recording. In thiscase, the bias field (Hb) is applied in the direction of ↓.

The high-temperature cycle will now be described with reference to FIG.38.

HIGH-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1 when the medium increased to T_(L) upon irradiation ofthe high-level laser beam, since the temperature T_(L) is substantiallyequal to the Curie temperature T_(C1) of the recording layer 1,magnetization of the layer 1 disappears (Condition 2_(H)).

When the laser-beam radiation continues and the medium temperature isequal to the temperature T_(H), the temperature T_(H) is substantiallyequal to the temperature T_(C2), magnetization of the layer 2 alsodisappears. This state is Condition 3_(H).

In Condition 3_(H), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the temperature of the medium begins to decrease. Whenthe temperature of the medium decreases slightly below the temperatureT_(C2), magnetization of the layer 2 appears. In this case,magnetization (↓↑) is generated by ↓Hb. However, since the temperatureis yet higher than the temperature T_(C1), no magnetization appears inthe layer 1. This state is Condition 4_(H).

When the temperature of the medium is further decreased slightly belowthe temperature T_(C1), magnetization appears in the layer 1. At thistime, the exchange coupling force from the layer 2 (↓↑) acts to aligneach of the RE and TM spins and of the layers 1 and 2. For this reason,magnetization ↓↑, i.e., , without regard to the bias field ↓Hb, appearsin the layer 1. This state is Condition 5_(H).

Then, the temperature of the medium decreases from the temperature inCondition 5_(H) to the room temperature. Since the coersivity H_(C1) atthe room temperature is sufficiently high, magnetization of the layer 1is stably maintained. In this way, bit formation in the "A direction" iscompleted.

Next, the low-temperature cycle will be described with reference to FIG.39.

LOW-TEMPERATURE CYCLE

In Condition 1 immediately before recording, the medium temperature isincreased to T_(L) upon irradiation of the low-level laser beam. Sincethe temperature T_(L) is substantially equal to the Curie temperatureT_(C1) of the recording layer 1, magnetization of the layer 1disappears. In this state, however, since the coersivity H_(C2) of thelayer 2 is sufficiently high, magnetization of the layer 2 will not bereversed by the bias field ↓Hb. This state is Condition 2_(L).

In Condition 2_(L), when an irradiated portion is separated from thelaser beam spot, the medium temperature begins to fall. When the mediumtemperature is slightly below the temperature T_(C1), the recordinglayer 1 is influenced by the RE and TM spins (↑↓) of the reference layer2 due to the exchange coupling force. In other words, the exchangecoupling force acts to align each of the RE and TM spins (↑ and ↓) ofthe layers 1 and 2. As a result, magnetization of ↑↓, i.e., , appears inthe layer 1. This state is Condition 3_(L).

Condition 3_(L) is maintained even if the medium temperature isdecreased to the room temperature. In this way, bit formation in the"non-A direction" is completed.

According to the present invention as described above, for the firsttime, an over-write operation is allowed without turning on or off thebias field Hb or without changing the direction of the bias field Hb.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration for explaining a recording principle of amagnetooptical recording method;

FIG. 2 is an illustration for explaining a reading principle of themagnetooptical recording method;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the overall arrangement of a magnetoopticalrecording apparatus according to Example 10 of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the overall arrangement of a magnetoopticalrecording apparatus according to Examples 11 and 12 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a chart showing an output waveform according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between coersivity andtemperature;

FIG. 7A is a diagram of a multilayered structure of a recording mediumaccording to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the direction of magnetization of arecording layer and a reference layer;

FIG. 8 illustrate changes in the direction of magnetization at highlevel;

FIG. 9 illustrates changes in the direction of magnetization at lowlevel;

FIG. 10 illustrates flows of the changes in the direction ofmagnetization shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 for respective P- and A-type media;

FIG. 11 is a map wherein the types of media of the present invention asclassified into four quadrants;

FIGS. 12A to 12D are graphs showing the relationship between thecoersivity and the temperature respectively for media of Types I to IV;

FIG. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the coersivity andthe temperature for a medium No. 1;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are diagrams showing changes in the direction ofmagnetization in high- and low-temperature cycles of a medium No. 1;

FIG. 16 is a graph showing the relationship between the coersivity andthe temperature for the medium No. 2;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are diagrams showing the changes in the direction ofmagnetization in high- and low-temperature cycles of a medium No. 2;

FIG. 19 is a graph showing the relationship between the coersivity andthe temperature for a medium No. 3;

FIGS. 20 and 21 are diagrams showing the changes in the direction ofmagnetization in high- and low-temperature cycles of the medium No. 3;

FIG. 22 is a graph showing the relationship between the coersivity andthe temperature for a medium No. 4;

FIGS. 23 and 24 are diagrams showing the changes in the direction ofmagnetization in high- and low-temperature cycles of the medium No. 4;

FIG. 25 is a graph showing the relationship between the coersivity andthe temperature for a medium No. 5;

FIGS. 26 and 27 are diagrams showing the changes in the direction ofmagnetization in high- and low-temperature cycles of the medium No. 5;

FIG. 28 is a graph showing the relationship between the coersivity andthe temperature for a medium No. 6;

FIGS. 29 and 30 are diagrams showing the changes in the direction ofmagnetization in high- and low-temperature cycles of the medium No. 6;

FIG. 31 is a graph showing the relationship between the coersivity andthe temperature for a medium No. 7;

FIGS. 32 and 33 are diagrams showing the changes in the direction ofmagnetization in high- and low-temperature cycles of the medium No. 7;

FIG. 34 is a graph showing the relationship between the coersivity andthe temperature for a medium No. 8;

FIGS. 35 and 36 are diagrams showing the changes in the direction ofmagnetization in high- and low-temperature cycles of the medium No. 8;

FIG. 37 is a graph showing the relationship between the coersivity andthe temperature for a medium No. 9;

FIGS. 38 and 39 are diagrams showing the changes in the direction ofmagnetization in high- and low-temperature cycles of the medium No. 9;

FIG. 40 is a schematic view showing a vertical section of a recordingmedium with a third layer (transcription layer); and

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing the overall arrangement of a reproductionapparatus according to Example 40 of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described by way of examples. However,the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

EXAMPLE 1 One of Media No. 1

A vacuum vapor deposition apparatus was used in this example. Itincluded two crucibles as evaporation sources shown in Table 2 and twounits for heating the respective sources with an electron beam.

A 1.2-mm thick, 200-mm diameter glass substrate was placed inside achamber of the apparatus. The chamber of the apparatus was temporarilyevacuated to a vacuum of 1×10⁻⁶ Torr. or less. Thereafter, depositionwas performed at a deposition rate of about 3 Å/sec while maintainingthe chamber at a vacuum of 1 to 2×10⁻⁶ Torr. Then, a 1,000-Å first layer(recording layer) of Gd₁₄ Gy₁₂ Fe₇₄ (note: appendixes, atom.%) wasformed on the substrate. Subsequently, the evaporation sources wereexchanged while maintaining the vacuum state. Then, deposition wasperformed again to form a 2,000-Å thick second layer (reference layer)of Gd₂₄ Tb₃ Fe₇₃.

The first and second layers were perpendicular magnetic layers.

In this way, a double-layered recording medium No. 1 belonging to Class1 (i.e., P-type, Quadrant I, and Type 1) was manufactured.

Table 2 below shows the manufacturing conditions and characteristics ofthe medium No. 1.

                  TABLE 2                                                         ______________________________________                                                   Recording Layer 1                                                                         Reference Layer 2                                      ______________________________________                                        Evaporation Source                                                                         GdDy alloy    GdTb alloy                                         (2 Elements) Fe            Fe                                                 Film Thickness (Å)                                                                     1000          2000                                               Ms (emu/cc)  100           170                                                Hc (Oe)      5600          350                                                Tc (°C.)                                                                            150           210                                                Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        110           170                                                σ.sub.w                                                                              0.8 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room Temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

If T_(L) =170° C. and T_(H) =230° C. (see Example 13), this mediumsatisfies:

    T.sub.R <Tcomp.1<T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L ≈Tcomp.2<T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.H                                          Formula 11

    and

    H.sub.C1 =5,600 Oe>H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)+(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=868 Oe        Formula 12

In Formula 15, since

    H.sub.C1 -(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=5,100 Oe

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=468 Oe

if an initial field Hini.) is 600 Oe, the medium No. 1 can satisfyFormula 15. Thus, the direction of magnetization of the reference layer2 is reversed at the room temperature due to the initial field (Hini.)without reversing that of the recording layer 1.

In addition, since the medium No. 1 satisfies:

    H.sub.C1 =5,600 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=400 OeFormula 13

    and

    H.sub.C2 =350 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=118 Oe Formula 14

if the initial field (Hini.) is removed, magnetization of the layers 1and 2 can be maintained.

Therefore, when the initial field (Hini.)=600 Oe is applied in the "Adirection" (↑) and the bias field Hb=600 Oe is applied in the "Adirection" (↑), an over-write operation is enabled. Note that since thelevels and the directions of the fields Hb and Hini. are equal to eachother, the recording apparatus which uses a single applying means forapplying both the fields Hb and Hini. can be used.

EXAMPLE 2 One of Media No. 2

A 500-Å thick first layer (recording layer) of Tb₂₇ Fe₇₃ and a 2,000-Åthick second layer (reference layer) of Gd₂₄ Tb₃ Fe₇₃ were sequentiallyformed on a substrate in the same manner as in Example 1. Then, a mediumNo. 2 belonging to Class 2 (i.e., P type, Quadrant I, and Type 2) wasmanufactured.

Table 3 below shows the manufacturing conditions and characteristics ofthe medium No. 2.

                  TABLE 3                                                         ______________________________________                                                   Recording Layer 1                                                                         Reference Layer 2                                      ______________________________________                                        Evaporation Source                                                                         Tb            GdTb alloy                                         (2 Elements) Fe            Fe                                                 Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    500           2000                                               Ms (emu/cc)  120           170                                                Hc (Oe)      7000          350                                                Tc (°C.)                                                                            135           210                                                Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        None          170                                                σ.sub.w                                                                              1.0 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room Temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

If T_(L) =150° C. and T_(H) =230° C. (see Example 14), this mediumsatisfies:

    T.sub.R <T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L ≈Tcomp.2<T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.H                                          Formula 16

    and

    H.sub.C1 =7,000 Oe>H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)+(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=1,300 Oe      Formula 17

In Formula 20, since

    H.sub.C1 -(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=6,167 Oe

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=497 Oe

if an initial field (Hini.) is 600 Oe, the medium No. 2 can satisfyFormula 20. Thus, the direction of magnetization of the reference layer2 is reversed at the room temperature due to the initial field (Hini.)without reversing that of the recording layer 1.

In addition, since the medium No. 2 satisfies:

    H.sub.C1 =7,000 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=833 OeFormula 18

    and

    H.sub.C2 =350 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=147 Oe Formula 19

if the initial field (Hini.) is removed, magnetization of the layers 1and 2 can be maintained.

Therefore, when the initial field (Hini.)=600 Oe is applied in the "Adirection" (↑) and the bias field Hb=600 Oe is applied in the "Adirection" (↑), an over-write operation is enabled. Note that since thelevels and the directions of the fields Hb and Hini. are equal to eachother, the recording apparatus which uses a single applying means forapplying both the fields Hb and Hini. can be used.

EXAMPLE 3 One of Media No. 3

A 500-Å thick first layer (recording layer) of Gd₂₃ Tb₃ Fe₇₄ and a1,000-Å thick second layer (reference layer) of Tb₂₈ Fe₆₅ Co₇ weresequentially formed on a substrate in the same manner as in Example 1.Then, a medium No. 3 belonging to Class 3 (i.e., P type, Quadrant I, andType 3) was manufactured.

Table 4 below shows the manufacturing conditions and characteristics ofthe medium No. 3.

                  TABLE 4                                                         ______________________________________                                                   Recording Layer 1                                                                         Reference Layer 2                                      ______________________________________                                        Evaporation Source                                                                         GdTb alloy    Tb                                                 (2 Elements) Fe            FeCo alloy                                         Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    500           1000                                               Ms (emu/cc)   90           180                                                Hc (Oe)      8000          3000                                               Tc (°C.)                                                                            150           200                                                Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        120           none                                               σ.sub.w                                                                              1.0 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room Temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

If T_(L) =170° C. and T_(H) =220° C. (see Example 15), this mediumsatisfies:

    T.sub.R <Tcomp.1<T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L<T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.HFormula 21

    and

    H.sub.C1 =8,000 Oe>H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)+(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=4,389 Oe      Formula 22

In Formula 25, since

    H.sub.C1 -(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=6,889 Oe

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=3,278 Oe

if an initial field (Hini.) is 4,000 Oe, the medium No. 3 can satisfyFormula 25. Thus, the direction of magnetization of the reference layer2 is reversed at the room temperature due to the initial field (Hini.)without reversing that of the recording layer 1.

In addition, since the medium No. 3 satisfies:

    H.sub.C1 =8,000 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=1,111 OeFormula 23

    and

    H.sub.C2 =3,000 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=278 OeFormula 24

if the initial field (Hini.) is removed, magnetization of the layers 1and 2 can be maintained.

Therefore, when the initial field (Hini.)=4,000 Oe is applied in the "Adirection" (↑) and the bias field Hb 300 Oe is applied in the "non-Adirection" (↓), an over-write operation is enabled.

EXAMPLE 4 One of Media No. 4

A 1,000-Å thick first layer (recording layer) of Tb₁₃ Dy₁₃ Fe₇₄ and a1,000-Å thick second layer (reference layer) of Gd₁₄ Dy₁₄ Fe₇₂ weresequentially formed on a substrate in the same manner as in Example 1.Then, a medium No. 4 belonging to Class 4 (i.e., P type, Quadrant I, andType 4) was manufactured.

Table 5 below shows the manufacturing conditions and characteristics ofthe medium No. 4.

                  TABLE 5                                                         ______________________________________                                                   Recording Layer 1                                                                         Reference Layer 2                                      ______________________________________                                        Evaporation Source                                                                         TbDy alloy    GdDy alloy                                         (2 Elements) Fe            Fe                                                 Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    1000          1000                                               Ms (emu/cc)   80           160                                                Hc (Oe)      8000          3000                                               Tc (°C.)                                                                            100           140                                                Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        None          None                                               σ.sub.w                                                                              0.8 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room Temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

If T_(L) =120° C. and T_(H) =160° C. (see Example 16), this mediumsatisfies:

    T.sub.R <T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L <T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.HFormula 26

    and

    H.sub.C1 =8,000 Oe>H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)+(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2) =3,750 Oe     Formula 27

In Formula 30, since

    H.sub.C1 -(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=7,500 Oe

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=3,250 Oe

if an initial field (Hini.) is 4,000 Oe, the medium No. 4 can satisfyFormula 30. Thus, the direction of magnetization of the reference layer2 is reversed at the room temperature due to the initial field (Hini.)without reversing that of the recording layer 1.

    H.sub.C1 =8,000 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=500 OeFormula 28

    and

    H.sub.C2 =3,000 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=250 OeFormula 29

if the initial field (Hini.) is removed, magnetization of the layers 1and 2 can be maintained.

Therefore, when the initial field (Hini.)=4,000 Oe is applied in the "Adirection" (↑) and the bias field Hb=300 Oe is applied in the "non-Adirection" (↓), an over-write operation is enabled.

EXAMPLE 5 One of Media No. 5

A 500-Å thick first layer (recording layer) of Gd₁₃ Dy₁₃ Fe₇₄ and a600-Å thick second layer (reference layer) of Tb₁₈ Fe₇₄ Co₈ weresequentially formed on a substrate in the same manner as in Example 1.Then, a medium No. 5 belonging to Class 5 (i.e., A type, Quadrant II,and Type 3) was manufactured.

Table 6 below shows the manufacturing conditions and characteristics ofthe medium No. 5.

                  TABLE 6                                                         ______________________________________                                                   Recording Layer 1                                                                         Reference Layer 2                                      ______________________________________                                        Evaporation Source                                                                         GdDy alloy    Tb                                                 (2 Elements) Fe            FeCo alloy                                         Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    500           600                                                Ms (emu/cc)   90           150                                                Hc (Oe)      6000          3000                                               Tc (°C.)                                                                            145           200                                                Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        120           none                                               σ.sub.w                                                                              0.8 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room Temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

If T_(L) =165° C. and T_(H) =210° C. (see Example 17), this mediumsatisfies:

    T.sub.R <Tcomp.1 <T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L ≈T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.H                                          Formula 31

    and

    H.sub.C1 =6,000 Oe>H.sub.C2 +|(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)-(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)|=3,445 OeFormula 32

In Formula 35, since

    H.sub.C1 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=6,889 Oe

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=3,444 Oe

if an initial field (Hini.) is 4,000 Oe, the medium No. 5 can satisfyFormula 35. Thus, the direction of magnetization of the reference layer2 is reversed at the room temperature due to the initial field (Hini.)without reversing that of the recording layer 1.

In addition, since the medium No. 5 satisfies:

    H.sub.C1 =6,000 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=889 OeFormula 33

    and

    H.sub.C2 =3,000 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=444 OeFormula 34

if the initial field (Hini.) is removed, magnetization of layers 1 and 2can be maintained.

Therefore, when the initial field (Hini.) =4,000 Oe is applied in the "Adirection" (↑) and the bias field Hb=300 Oe is applied in the "non-Adirection" (↓), an over-write operation is enabled.

EXAMPLE 6 One of Media No. 6

A 3-element RF magnetron sputtering apparatus was used and includedthree targets Tb, Fe, and FeCo alloy shown in Table 7. Targets Tb and Fewere first used, and Tb and FeCo alloy were then used. A 1.2-mm thick,200-mm diameter glass substrate was placed inside a chamber of theapparatus.

The chamber of the apparatus was temporarily evacuated to a vacuum of7×10⁻⁷ Torr. or less, and 5 ×10⁻³ Torr. of Ar gas was introducedtherein. Then, sputtering was performed at a deposition rate of about 2Åsec. Thereby, a 500-Å thick first layer (recording layer) of Tb₂₇ Fe₇₃was formed on the substrate. Subsequently, the targets were replacedwhile maintaining the vacuum state. Thereafter, sputtering was performedagain to form a 1,000-Å thick second layer of Tb₁₈ Fe₇₄ Co₈ on the firstlayer. Note that the first and second layers were perpendicular magneticfilms. In this way, a double-layered magnetooptical recording medium No.6 belonging to Class 6 (i.e., A type, Quadrant II, and Type 4) wasmanufactured.

Table 7 shows the manufacturing conditions and characteristics of themedium No. 6.

                  TABLE 7                                                         ______________________________________                                                   Recording Layer 1                                                                         Reference Layer 2                                      ______________________________________                                        Target       Tb            Tb                                                 (2 Elements) Fe            FeCo alloy                                         Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    500           1000                                               Ms (emu/cc)  120           150                                                Hc (Oe)      7000          3000                                               Tc (°C.)                                                                            135           200                                                Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        None          None                                               σ.sub.w                                                                              1.5 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room Temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

If T_(L) =155° C. and T_(H) =220° C. (see Example 18), this mediumsatisfies:

    R.sub.R <T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L <T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.HFormula 36

    and

    H.sub.C1 =7,000 Oe>H.sub.C2 +|(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)-(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)|=3,750 OeFormula 37

In Formula 40, since

    H.sub.C1 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=8,250 Oe

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=3,500 Oe

if an initial field (Hini.) is 4,000 Oe, the medium No. 6 can satisfyFormula 40. Thus, the direction of magnetization of the reference layer2 is reversed at the room temperature due to the initial field (Hini.)without reversing that of the recording layer 1.

In addition, since the medium No. 6 satisfies:

    H.sub.C1 =7,000 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=1,250 OeFormula 38

    and

    H.sub.C2 =3,000 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=500 OeFormula 39

if the initial field (Hini.) is removed, magnetization of the layers 1and 2 can be maintained.

Therefore, when the initial field (Hini.)=4,000 Oe is applied in the "Adirection" (↑) and the bias field Hb=300 Oe is applied in the "non-Adirection" (↓), an over-write operation is enabled.

EXAMPLE 7 One of Media No. 7

A 1,000-Å thick first layer (recording layer) of Tb₂₁ Fe₇₉ and a 1,000-Åthick second layer (reference layer) of Tb₁₈ Fe₇₄ Co₈ were sequentiallyformed on a substrate in the same manner as in Example 6. Then, a mediumNo. 7 belonging to Class 7 (i.e., P type, Quadrant III, and Type 4) wasmanufactured.

Table 8 shows the manufacturing conditions and characteristics of themedium No. 7.

                  TABLE 8                                                         ______________________________________                                                   Recording Layer 1                                                                         Reference Layer 2                                      ______________________________________                                        Target       Tb            Tb                                                 (2 Elements) Fe            FeCo alloy                                         Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    1000          1000                                               Ms (emu/cc)   70           150                                                Hc (Oe)      7000          3000                                               Tc (°C.)                                                                            135           200                                                Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        None          None                                               σ.sub.w                                                                              1.5 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room Temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

If T_(L) =155° C. and T_(H) =220° C. (see Example 19), this mediumsatisfies:

    T.sub.R -T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L <T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.HFormula 41

    and

    H.sub.C1 =7,000 Oe<H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)+(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2) =4,571 Oe     Formula 42

In Formula 45, since

    H.sub.C1 -(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=5,929 Oe

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=3,500 Oe

i if an initial field (Hini.) is 4,000 Oe, the medium No. 7 can satisfyFormula 45. Thus, the direction of magnetization of the reference layer2 is reversed at the room temperature due to the initial field (Hini.)without reversing that of the recording layer 1.

In addition, since the medium No. 7 satisfies:

    H.sub.C1 =7,000 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=1,071 OeFormula 43

    and

    H.sub.C2 =3,000 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=500 OeFormula 44

if the initial field (Hini.) is removed, magnetization of the layers 1and 2 can be maintained.

Therefore, when the initial field (Hini.)=4,000 Oe is applied in the "Adirection" (↑) and the bias field Hb=300 Oe is applied in the "non-Adirection" (↓), an over-write operation is enabled.

EXAMPLE 8 One of Media 8

A 500-Å thick first layer (recording layer) of Tb₂₁ Fe₇₉ and a 2,000-Åthick second layer (reference layer) of Gd₂₄ Tb₃ Fe₇₃ were sequentiallyformed on a substrate in the same manner as in Example 6. Then, a mediumNo. 8 belonging to Class 8 (i.e., A type, Quadrant IV, and Type 2) wasmanufactured.

Table 9 shows the manufacturing conditions and characteristics of themedium No. 8.

                  TABLE 9                                                         ______________________________________                                                   Recording Layer 1                                                                         Reference Layer 2                                      ______________________________________                                        Target       Tb            GdTb alloy                                         (2 Elements) Fe            Fe                                                 Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    500           2000                                               Ms (emu/cc)   70           170                                                Hc (Oe)      7000          350                                                Tc (°C.)                                                                            135           210                                                Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        None          170                                                σ.sub.w                                                                              1.5 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room Temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

If T_(L) =155° C. and T_(H) =230° C. (see Example 20), this mediumsatisfies:

T_(R) <T_(C1) ≈T_(L) ≈Tcomp. 2<T_(C2) ≈T_(H) Formula 46

    and

    H.sub.C1 =7,000 Oe>H.sub.C2 +|(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)-(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)|=2,273 OeFormula 47

In Formula 50, since

    H.sub.C1 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=9,143 Oe

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=570 Oe

if an initial field (Hini. is 800 Oe, the medium No. 8 can satisfyFormula 50. Thus, the direction of magnetization of the reference layer2 is reversed at the room temperature due to the initial field (Hini.)without reversing that of the recording layer 1.

In addition, since the medium No. 8 satisfies:

    H.sub.C1 =7,000 Oe>(σ.sub.w 2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=2,143 OeFormula 48

    and

    H.sub.C2 =350 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=220 Oe Formula 49

if the initial field (Hini.) is removed, magnetization of the layers 1and 2 can be maintained. Therefore, when the initial field (Hini.)=800Oe is applied in the "A direction" (↑) and the bias field Hb=800 Oe isapplied in the "A direction" (↑), an over-write operation is enabled.Note that since the levels and the directions of the fields Hb and Hini.are equal to each other, the recording apparatus which uses a singleapplying means for applying both the fields Hb and Hini. can be used.

EXAMPLE 9 One of Media 9

A 1,000-A thick first layer (recording layer) of Gd₄ Tb₁₉ Fe₇₇ and a500-Å thick second layer (reference layer) of Tb₂₉ Fe₆₁ Co₁₀ weresequentially formed on a substrate in the same manner as in Example 1.Then, a medium No. 9 belonging to Class 9 (i.e., A type, Quadrant IV,and Type 4) was manufactured.

Table 10 shows the manufacturing conditions and characteristics of themedium No. 9.

                  TABLE 10                                                        ______________________________________                                                   Recording Layer 1                                                                         Reference Layer 2                                      ______________________________________                                        Evaporation Source                                                                         GdTb alloy    Tb                                                 (2 Elements) Fe            FeCo alloy                                         Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    1000          500                                                Ms (emu/cc)   30           200                                                Hc (Oe)      7000          3000                                               Tc (°C.)                                                                            150           220                                                Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        None          None                                               σ.sub.w                                                                              1.0 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room Temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

If T_(L) =170° C. and T_(H) =220° C. (see Example 21), this mediumsatisfies:

    T.sub.R <T.sub.C1 ≈T.sub.L <T.sub.C2 ≈T.sub.HFormula 51

    and

    H.sub.C1 =7,000 Oe>H.sub.C2 +|(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)-(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)|=4,167 OeFormula 52

In Formula 55, since

    H.sub.C1 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=8,667 Oe

    H.sub.C2 +(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=3,500 Oe

if an initial field (Hini.) is 4,000 Oe, the medium No. 9 can satisfyFormula 55. Thus, the direction of magnetization of the reference layer2 is reversed at the room temperature due to the initial field (Hini.)without reversing that of the recording layer 1.

In addition, since the medium No. 9 satisfies:

    H.sub.Cl =7,000 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S1 t.sub.1)=1,667 OeFormula 64

and

    H.sub.C2 =3,000 Oe>(σ.sub.w /2M.sub.S2 t.sub.2)=500 OeFormula 54

if the initial field (Hini. is removed, magnetization of the layers 1and 2 can be maintained.

Therefore, when the initial field (Hini.)=4,000 Oe is applied in the "Adirection" (↑) and the bias field Hb=300 Oe is applied in the "non-Adirection" (↓), an over-write operation is enabled.

EXAMPLE 10 Magnetooptical Recording Apparatus

This apparatus is for recording only, and FIG. 3 shows the overallarrangement thereof.

The apparatus basically comprises:

(a) a rotating means 21 as a means for moving a recording medium 20;

(b) an initial field (Hini.) applying means 22;

(c) a laser beam light source 23;

(d) a means 24 for pulse modulating, in accordance with binary data tobe recorded, a beam intensity (1) to obtain high level which provides amedium temperature T_(H) suitable for forming one of a bit havingupward-magnetization and a bit having downward-magnetization and (2) toobtain low level which provides a medium temperature T_(L) suitable forforming the other bit; and

(e) a bias field (Hb) applying means 25.

The bias field (Hb) applying means 25 normally comprises anelectromagnet or, preferably, a permanent magnet. Alternatively, a strayfield from a portion other than recording tracks of the recording mediumcan be used as the bias field Hb. In this case, the applying means 25indicates a region of perpendicular magnetic films (first and secondlayers) of the recording medium 20, which produces the stray field.

In this example, a permanent magnet which produced a bias field Hb=300Oe and had a direction of magnetization along the "non-A direction" (↓)was used as the applying means 25. The permanent magnet 25 had arod-like shape having a length corresponding to the radius of thedisk-shaped medium 20 and was fixed in the apparatus. The permanentmagnet 25 was not moved together with a recording head (pickup)including the light source 23. This made the pickup light, and allowedhigh-speed access.

An electromagnet or, preferably, a permanent magnet was used as theinitial field (Hini.) applying means 22. In this example, a permanentmagnet which produced an initial field (Hini.)=4,000 Oe and had adirection of magnetization along the "A direction" (↑) was used. Thepermanent magnet 22 had a rod-like shape having a length correspondingto the radius of the disk-shaped medium 20 and was fixed in theapparatus.

Note that a reproduction apparatus can be added to the recordingapparatus of this example as a recording/reproduction apparatus.

EXAMPLE 11 Magnetooptical Recording Apparatus

This apparatus is for recording only, and FIG. 4 shows the overallarrangement thereof.

The apparatus basically comprises:

(a) a rotating means 21 as a means for moving a recording medium 20;

(c) a laser beam light source 23;

(d) a means 24 for pulse modulating, in accordance with binary data tobe recorded, a beam intensity (1) to obtain high level which provides amedium temperature T_(H) suitable for forming one of a bit havingupward-magnetization and a bit having downward-magnetization and (2) toobtain low level which provides a medium temperature T_(L) suitable forforming the other bit; and

(b, e) a bias field (Hb) applying means 25, which also serves as aninitial field (Hini.) applying means 22.

When the directions of the bias field (Hb) and the initial field (Hini.)coincide with each other, the applying means 25 can also be used as theapplying means 22. More specifically, if the applying means 25 isarranged at a recording position (a spot region irradiated with a beam)at which a magnetic field is to be concentrated, it is impossible toconcentrate the magnetic field at a point. In other words, a leakingmagnetic field is inevitably applied around the recording point.Therefore, if the leaking magnetic field is utilized, the initial field(Hini.) can be applied before recording. For this reason, in theapparatus of this example, the means 25 served as the means 22.

The means 25 and 22 normally comprise electromagnets or, preferably,permanent magnets. In this example, permanent magnets which produced abias field Hb (Hini.)=600 Oe and had a direction of magnetization alongthe "A direction" (↑) were used as means 22 and 25. The permanentmagnets 22 and 25 had a rod-like shape having a length corresponding tothe radius of the disk-shaped recording medium 20. The magnets 22 and 25were fixed to the apparatus of this example, and were not moved togetherwith a pickup including the light source 23. This made the pickup light,and allowed high-speed access.

EXAMPLE 12 Magnetooptical Recording Apparatus

This apparatus is for recording only, and FIG. 4 shows the overallarrangement thereof.

The apparatus basically comprises:

(a) a rotating means 21 as a means for moving a recording medium 20;

(c) a laser beam light source 23;

(d) a means 24 for pulse modulating, in accordance with binary data tobe recorded, a beam intensity (1) to obtain high level which provides amedium temperature T_(H) suitable for forming one of a bit havingupward-magnetization and a bit having downward-magnetization and (2) toobtain low level which provides a medium temperature T_(L) suitable forforming the other bit; and

(b, e) a bias field (Hb) applying means 25, which also serves as aninitial field (Hini.) applying means 22.

In this example, permanent magnets which produced a bias field Hb(Hini.=600 Oe and had a direction of magnetization along the "Adirection" (↑) were used as means 22 and 25. The permanent magnets 22and 25 had a rod-like shape having a length corresponding to the radiusof the disk-shaped recording medium 20. The magnets 22 and 25 were fixedto the apparatus of this example, and were not moved together with apickup including the light source 23.

EXAMPLE 13 Magnetooptical Recording

A magnetooptical recording operation was performed using the recordingapparatus of Example 11 (see FIG. 4). First, the recording medium 20 ofExample 1 was rotated at a constant speed of 8.5 m/sec by the rotatingmeans 21. A laser beam was radiated onto the medium 20. The laser beamwas adjusted by the means 24 to obtain an output of 9.3 mW (on disk) athigh level and to obtain an output of 6.6 mW (on disk) at low level. Thelaser beam was pulse modulated by the means 24 in accordance with datato be recorded. In this example, the data to be recorded was a signalhaving a frequency of 1 MHz. Therefore, the laser beam was radiated ontothe medium 20 while being modulated at the frequency of 1 MHz. As aresult, a 1-MHz signal was recorded. When this signal was reproduced byanother magnetooptical reproduction apparatus, a C/N ratio was 51 dB andit was confirmed therefrom that the signal was actually recorded.

A signal of a frequency of 5 MHz was newly recorded on an alreadyrecorded region of the medium 20.

When the signal was similarly reproduced, it could be reproduced at aC/N ratio of 48 dB. In this case, a bit error rate was 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁶. Inaddition, the 1-MHz signal (preceding data) was not reproduced at all.

As a result, it was found that an over-write operation was enabled.

Note that under these conditions, the temperature of the medium reachedT_(H) =230° C. at high level and T_(L) =170° C. at low level.

EXAMPLE 14 Magnetooptical Recording

A magnetooptical recording operation was performed using the recordingapparatus of Example 11 (see FIG. 4). First, the recording medium 20 ofExample 2 was rotated at a constant speed of 8.5 m/sec by the rotatingmeans 21. A laser beam was radiated onto the medium 20. The laser beamwas adjusted by the means 24 to obtain an output of 9.3 mW (on disk) athigh level and to obtain an output of 5.7 mW (on disk) at low level. Thelaser beam was pulse modulated by the means 24 in accordance with datato be recorded. In this example, the data to be recorded was a signalhaving a frequency of 1 MHz. Therefore, the laser beam was radiated ontothe medium 20 while being modulated at the frequency of 1 MHz. As aresult, a 1-MHz signal was recorded. When this signal was reproduced byanother magnetooptical reproduction apparatus, a C/N ratio was 52 dB andit was confirmed therefrom that the signal was actually recorded.

A signal of a frequency of 5 MHz was newly recorded on an alreadyrecorded region of the medium 20.

When the signal was similarly reproduced, it could be reproduced at aC/N ratio of 49 dB. In this case, a bit error rate was 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁶. Inaddition, the 1-MHz signal (preceding data) was not reproduced at all.

As a result, it was found that an over-write operation was enabled.

Note that under these conditions, the temperature of the medium reachedT_(H) =230° C. at high level and T_(L) =150° C. at low level.

EXAMPLE 15 Magnetooptical Recording

A magnetooptical recording operation was performed using the recordingapparatus of Example 10 (see FIG. 3). First, the recording medium 20 ofExample 3 was rotated at a constant speed of 8.5 m/sec by the rotatingmeans 21. A laser beam was radiated onto the medium 20. The laser beamwas adjusted by the means 24 to obtain an output of 8.9 mW (on disk) athigh level and to obtain an output of 6.6 mW (on disk) at low level. Thelaser beam was pulse modulated by the means 24 in accordance with datato be recorded. In this example, the data to be recorded was a signalhaving a frequency of 5 MHz. Therefore, the laser beam was radiated ontothe medium 20 while being modulated at the frequency of 5 MHz. As aresult, a 5-MHz signal was recorded. When this signal was reproduced byanother magnetooptical reproduction apparatus, a C/N ratio was 51 dB andit was confirmed therefrom that the signal was actually recorded.

A signal of a frequency of 2 MHz was newly recorded on an alreadyrecorded region of the medium 20.

When the signal was similarly reproduced, it could be reproduced at aC/N ratio of 54 dB. In this case, a bit error rate was 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁶. Inaddition, the 5-MHz signal (preceding data) was not reproduced at all.

As a result, it was found that an over-write operation was enabled.

Note that under these conditions, the temperature of the medium reachedT_(H) =220° C. at high level and T_(L) =170° C. at low level.

EXAMPLE 16 Magnetooptical Recording

A magnetooptical recording operation was performed using the recordingapparatus of Example 10 (see FIG. 3). First, the recording medium 20 ofExample 4 was rotated at a constant speed of 8.5 m/sec by the rotatingmeans 21. A laser beam was radiated onto the medium 20. The laser beamwas adjusted by the means 24 to obtain an output of 6.1 mW (on disk) athigh level and to obtain an output of 4.3 mW (on disk) at low level. Thelaser beam was pulse modulated by the means 24 in accordance with datato be recorded. In this example, the data to be recorded was a signalhaving a frequency of 5 MHz. Therefore, the laser beam was radiated ontothe medium 20 while being modulated at the frequency of 5 MHz. As aresult, a 5-MHz signal was recorded. When this signal was reproduced byanother magnetooptical reproduction apparatus, a C/N ratio was 47 dB andit was confirmed therefrom that the signal was actually recorded.

A signal of a frequency of 2 MHz was newly recorded on an alreadyrecorded region of the medium 20.

When the signal was similarly reproduced, it could be reproduced at aC/N ratio of 50 dB. In this case, a bit error rate was 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁶. Inaddition, the 5-MHz signal (preceding data) was not reproduced at all.

As a result, it was found that an over-write operation was enabled.

Note that under these conditions, the temperature of the medium reachedT_(H) =160° C. at high level and T_(L) = 120° at low level.

EXAMPLE 17 Magnetooptical Recording

A magnetooptical recording operation was performed using the recordingapparatus of Example 10 (see FIG. 3). First, the recording medium 20 ofExample 5 was rotated at a constant speed of 8.5 m/sec by the rotatingmeans 21. A laser beam was radiated onto the medium 20. The laser beamwas adjusted by the means 24 to obtain an output of 8.4 mW (on disk) athigh level and to obtain an output of 6.4 mW (on disk) at low level. Thelaser beam was pulse modulated by the means 24 in accordance with datato be recorded. In this example, the data to be recorded was a signalhaving a frequency of 5 MHz. Therefore, the laser beam was radiated ontothe medium 20 while being modulated at the frequency of 5 MHz. As aresult, a 5-MHz signal was recorded. When this signal was reproduced byanother magnetooptical reproduction apparatus, a C/N ratio was 48 dB andit was confirmed therefrom that the signal was actually recorded.

A signal of a frequency of 4 MHz was newly recorded on an alreadyrecorded region of the medium 20.

When the signal was similarly reproduced, it could be reproduced at aC/N ratio of 49 dB. In this case, a bit error rate was 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁶. Inaddition, the 5-MHz signal (preceding data) was not reproduced at all.

As a result, it was found that an over-write operation was enabled.

Note that under these conditions, the temperature of the medium reachedT_(H) =210° C. at high level and T_(L) =165° C. at low level.

EXAMPLE 18 Magnetooptical Recording

A magnetooptical recording operation was performed using the recordingapparatus of Example 10 (see FIG. 3). First, the recording medium 20 ofExample 6 was rotated at a constant speed of 8.5 m/sec by the rotatingmeans 21. A laser beam was radiated onto the medium 20. The laser beamwas adjusted by the means 24 to obtain an output of 8.1 mW (on disk) athigh level and to obtain an output of 5.9 mW (on disk) at low level. Thelaser beam was pulse modulated by the means 24 in accordance with datato be recorded. In this example, the data to be recorded was a signalhaving a frequency of 5 MHz. Therefore, the laser beam was radiated ontothe medium 20 while being modulated at the frequency of 5 MHz. As aresult, a 5-MHz signal was recorded. When this signal was reproduced byanother magnetooptical reproduction apparatus, a C/N ratio was 49 dB andit was confirmed therefrom that the signal was actually recorded.

A signal of a frequency of 3 MHz was newly recorded on an alreadyrecorded region of the medium 20.

When the signal was similarly reproduced, it could be reproduced at aC/N ratio of 51 dB. In this case, a bit error rate was 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁶. Inaddition, the 5-MHz signal (preceding data) was not reproduced at all.

As a result, it was found that an over-write operation was enabled.

Note that under these conditions, the temperature of the medium reachedT_(H) =220° C. at high level and T_(L) =155° C. at low level.

EXAMPLE 19 Magnetooptical Recording

A magnetooptical recording operation was performed using the recordingapparatus of Example 10 (see FIG. 3). First, the recording medium 20 ofExample 7 was rotated at a constant speed of 8.5 m/sec by the rotatingmeans 21. A laser beam was radiated onto the medium 20. The laser beamwas adjusted by the means 24 to obtain an output of 8.9 mW (on disk) athigh level and to obtain an output of 5.9 mW (on disk) at low level. Thelaser beam was pulse modulated by the means 24 in accordance with datato be recorded. In this example, the data to be recorded was a signalhaving a frequency of 5 MHz. Therefore, the laser beam was radiated ontothe medium 20 while being modulated at the frequency of 5 MHz. As aresult, a 5-MHz signal was recorded. When this signal was reproduced byanother magnetooptical reproduction apparatus, a C/N ratio was 49 dB andit was confirmed therefrom that the signal was actually recorded.

A signal of a frequency of 2 MHz was newly recorded on an alreadyrecorded region of the medium 20.

When the signal was similarly reproduced, it could be reproduced at aC/N ratio of 52 dB. In this case, a bit error rate was 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁶. Inaddition, the 5-MHz signal (preceding data) was not reproduced at all.

As a result, it was found that an over-write operation was enabled.

Note that under these conditions, the temperature of the medium reachedT_(H) =220° C. at high level and T_(L) =155° C. at low level.

EXAMPLE 20 Magnetooptical Recording

A magnetooptical recording operation was performed using the recordingapparatus of Example 12 (see FIG. 4). First, the recording medium 20 ofExample 8 was rotated at a constant speed of 8.5 m/sec by the rotatingmeans 21. A laser beam was radiated onto the medium 20. The laser beamwas adjusted by the means 24 to obtain an output of 9.3 mW (on disk) athigh level and to obtain an output of 5.9 mW (on disk) at low level. Thelaser beam was pulse modulated by the means 24 in accordance with datato be recorded. In this example, the data to be recorded was a signalhaving a frequency of 1 MHz. Therefore, the laser beam was radiated ontothe medium 20 while being modulated at the frequency of 1 MHz. As aresult, a 1-MHz signal was recorded. When this signal was reproduced byanother magnetooptical reproduction apparatus, a C/N ratio was 52 dB andit was confirmed therefrom that the signal was actually recorded.

A signal of a frequency of 2 MHz was newly recorded on an alreadyrecorded region of the medium 20.

When the signal was similarly reproduced, it could be reproduced at aC/N ratio of 51 dB. In this case, a bit error rate was 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁶. Inaddition, the 1-MHz signal (preceding data) was not reproduced at all.

As a result, it was found that an over-write operation was enabled.

Note that under these conditions, the temperature of the medium reachedT_(H) =230° C. at high level and T_(L) =155° C. at low level.

EXAMPLE 21 Magnetooptical Recording

A magnetooptical recording operation was performed using the recordingapparatus of Example 10 (see FIG. 3). First, the recording medium 20 ofExample 9 was rotated at a constant speed of 8.5 m/sec by the rotatingmeans 21. A laser beam was radiated onto the medium 20. The laser beamwas adjusted by the means 24 to obtain an output of 8.9 mW (on disk) athigh level and to obtain an output of 6.6 mW (on disk) at low level. Thelaser beam was pulse modulated by the means 24 in accordance with datato be recorded. In this example, the data to be recorded was a signalhaving a frequency of 5 MHz. Therefore, the laser beam was radiated ontothe medium 20 while being modulated at the frequency of 5 MHz. As aresult, a 5-MHz signal was recorded. When this signal was reproduced byanother magnetooptical reproduction apparatus, a C/N ratio was 51 dB andit was confirmed therefrom that the signal was actually recorded.

A signal of a frequency of 6 MHz was newly recorded on an alreadyrecorded region of the medium 20.

When the signal was similarly reproduced, it could be reproduced at aC/N ratio of 49 dB. In this case, a bit error rate was 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁶. Inaddition, the 5-MHz signal (preceding data) was not reproduced at all.

As a result, it was found that an over-write operation was enabled.

Note that under these conditions, the temperature of the medium reachedT_(H) =220° C. at high level and T_(L) =170° C. at low level.

EXAMPLE 22 Recording Medium No. 11

In Example 1, a third layer (transcription layer) was formed beforeformation of the first layer under the same conditions. The third layerwas a perpendicular magnetic film of a 500-Å thick Gd₂₆ Fe₅₂ Co₂₂.

A recording medium No. 11 was manufactured following the same proceduresas in Example 1 except that the third layer was formed. Table 11 showsthe manufacturing conditions and characteristics of the medium No. 11.

                  TABLE 11                                                        ______________________________________                                                   First    Second    Third                                                      Layer    Layer     Layer                                           ______________________________________                                        Evaporation Source                                                                         GdDy alloy GdTb alloy                                                                              Gd                                          (2 Elements) Fe         Fe        FeCo alloy                                  Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    1000       2000      500                                         Ms (emu/cc)  100        170        75                                         Hc (Oe)      5600       350       100                                         Tc (°C.)                                                                            150        210       380                                         Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        110        170       160                                         σw      0.8 erg/cm.sup.2                                                (Room temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 23 Recording Medium No. 12

In Example 2, a third layer (transcription layer) was formed beforeformation of the first layer under the same conditions. The third layerwas a perpendicular magnetic film of a 500Å thick Gd₂₆ Fe₅₂ Co₂₂.

A recording medium No. 12 was manufactured following the same proceduresas in Example 2 except that the third layer was formed. Table 12 showsthe manufacturing conditions and characteristics of the medium No. 12.

                  TABLE 12                                                        ______________________________________                                                  First    Second    Third                                                      Layer    Layer     Layer                                            ______________________________________                                        Evaporation Source                                                                        Tb         GdTb alloy                                                                              Gd                                           (2 Elements)                                                                              Fe         Fe        FeCo alloy                                   Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                   500        2000      500                                          Ms (emu/cc) 120        170        75                                          Hc (Oe)     7000       350       100                                          Tc (°C.)                                                                           135        210       380                                          Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                       --         170       160                                          σw    1.0 erg/cm.sup.2                                                  (Room temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 24 Recording Medium No. 13

In Example 3, a third layer (transcription layer) was formed beforeformation of the first layer under the same conditions. The third layerwas a perpendicular magnetic film of a 500-Å thick Gd₂₂ Fe₅₅ Co₂₃.

A recording medium No. 13 was manufactured following the same proceduresas in Example 3 except that the third layer was formed. Table 13 showsthe manufacturing conditions and characteristics of the medium No. 13.

                  TABLE 13                                                        ______________________________________                                                   First    Second     Third                                                     Layer    Layer      Layer                                          ______________________________________                                        Evaporation Source                                                                         GdTb alloy Tb         Gd                                         (2 Elements) Fe         FeCo alloy FeCo alloy                                 Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    500        1000       500                                        Ms (emu/cc)   90        180         80                                        Hc (Oe)      8000       3000       100                                        Tc (°C.)                                                                            150        200        380                                        Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        120        --         --                                         σw     1.0 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 25 Recording Medium No. 14

In Example 4, a third layer (transcription layer) was formed beforeformation of the first layer under the same conditions. The third layerwas a perpendicular magnetic film of a 400-Å thick Gd₂₂ Fe₅₅ Co₂₃.

A recording medium No. 14 was manufactured following the same proceduresas in Example 4 except that the third layer was formed. Table 14 showsthe manufacturing conditions and characteristics of the medium No. 14.

                  TABLE 14                                                        ______________________________________                                                   First    Second     Third                                                     Layer    Layer      Layer                                          ______________________________________                                        Evaporation Source                                                                         TbDy alloy GdDy alloy Gd                                         (2 Elements) Fe         Fe         FeCo alloy                                 Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    1000       1000       400                                        Ms (emu/cc)   80        160         80                                        Hc (Oe)      8000       3000       100                                        Tc (°C.)                                                                            100        140        380                                        Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        --         --         --                                         σw     0.8 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 26 Recording Medium No. 15

In Example 5, a third layer (transcription layer) was formed beforeformation of the first layer under the same conditions. The third layerwas a perpendicular magnetic film of a 500Å thick Gd₂₂ Fe₅₅ Co₂₃.

A recording medium No. 15 was manufactured following the same proceduresas in Example 5 except that the third layer was formed. Table 15 showsthe manufacturing conditions and characteristics of the medium No. 15.

                  TABLE 15                                                        ______________________________________                                                   First    Second    Third                                                      Layer    Layer     Layer                                           ______________________________________                                        Evaporation Source                                                                         GdDy alloy Tb        Gd                                          (2 Elements) Fe         FeCo alloy                                                                              FeCo alloy                                  Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    500        600       500                                         Ms (emu/cc)   90        150        80                                         Hc (Oe)      6000       3000      100                                         Tc (°C.)                                                                            145        200       380                                         Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        120        --        --                                          σw     0.8 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 27 Recording Medium No. 16

In Example 6, a third layer (transcription layer) was formed beforeformation of the first layer under the same conditions. The third layerwas a perpendicular magnetic film of a 300-Å thick Gd₂₂ Fe₅₅ Co₂₃.

A recording medium No. 16 was manufactured following the same proceduresas in Example 6 except that the third layer was formed. Table 16 showsthe manufacturing conditions and characteristics of the medium No. 16.

                  TABLE 16                                                        ______________________________________                                                   First   Second      Third                                                     Layer   Layer       Layer                                          ______________________________________                                        Target       TbFe alloy                                                                              TbFeCo alloy                                                                              GdFeCo                                                                        alloy                                      Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    500       1000        300                                        Ms (emu/cc)  120       150          80                                        Hc (Oe)      7000      3000        100                                        Tc (°C.)                                                                            135       200         380                                        Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        --        --          --                                         σw     1.5 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 28 Recording Medium No. 17

In Example 7, a third layer (transcription layer) was formed beforeformation of the first layer under the same conditions. The third layerwas a perpendicular magnetic film of a 500-Å thick Gd₂₂ Fe₅₅ Co₂₃.

A recording medium No. 17 was manufactured following the same procedureas in Example 7 except that the third layer was formed. Table 17 showsthe manufacturing conditions and characteristics of the medium No. 17.

                  TABLE 17                                                        ______________________________________                                                   First   Second      Third                                                     Layer   Layer       Layer                                          ______________________________________                                        Target       TbFe alloy                                                                              TbFeCo alloy                                                                              GdFeCo                                                                        alloy                                      Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    1000      1000        500                                        Ms (emu/cc)   70       150          80                                        Hc (Oe)      7000      3000        100                                        Tc (°C.)                                                                            135       200         380                                        Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        --        --          --                                         σw     1.5 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 29 Recording Medium No. 18

In Example 8, a third layer (transcription layer) was formed beforeformation of the first layer under the same conditions. The third layerwas a perpendicular magnetic film of a 500-Å thick Gd₂₆ Fe₅₂ Co₂₂.

A recording medium No. 18 was manufactured following the same proceduresas in Example 8 except that the third layer was formed. Table 18 showsthe manufacturing conditions and characteristics of the medium No. 18.

                  TABLE 18                                                        ______________________________________                                                   First   Second      Third                                                     Layer   Layer       Layer                                          ______________________________________                                        Target       TbFe alloy                                                                              GdTbFe alloy                                                                              GdFeCo                                                                        alloy                                      Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    500       2000        500                                        Ms (emu/cc)   70       170          75                                        Hc (Oe)      7000      350         100                                        Tc (°C.)                                                                            135       210         380                                        Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        --        170         160                                        σw     1.5 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 30 Recording Medium No. 19

In Example 9, a third layer (transcription layer) was formed beforeformation of the first layer under the same conditions. The third layerwas a perpendicular magnetic film of a 400-Å thick Gd₂₂ Fe₅₅ Co₂₃.

A recording medium No. 19 was manufactured following the same proceduresas in Example 9 except that the third layer was formed. Table 19 showsthe manufacturing conditions and characteristics of the medium No. 19.

                  TABLE 19                                                        ______________________________________                                                   First    Second    Third                                                      Layer    Layer     Layer                                           ______________________________________                                        Evaporation Source                                                                         GdTb alloy Tb        Gd                                          (2 Elements) Fe         FeCo alloy                                                                              FeCo alloy                                  Film Thickness t(Å)                                                                    1000       500       400                                         Ms (emu/cc)   30        200        80                                         Hc (Oe)      7000       3000      100                                         Tc (°C.)                                                                            150        220       380                                         Tcomp. (°C.)                                                                        --         --        --                                          σw     1.0 erg/cm.sup.2                                                 (Room temperature)                                                            ______________________________________                                    

EXAMPLE 31 Magnetooptical Recording

A 1-MHz signal was recorded following the same procedures as in Example13 except that the medium of Example 22 was used in place of that ofExample 1.

A reproduction beam was radiated onto the third layer (transcriptionlayer), and a beam reflected by the third layer was processed by a knownmethod, thereby reproducing data. In this case, a C/N ratio was 59 dB.

Next, a 5-MHz signal was over written. Data was reproduced from thethird layer at a C/N ratio of 55 dB. The C/N ratio was improved by 7 dBas compared to Example 13.

EXAMPLE 32 Magnetooptical Recording

A 1-MHz signal was recorded following the same procedures as in Example14 except that the medium of Example 23 was used in place of that ofExample 2.

A reproduction beam was radiated onto the third layer (transcriptionlayer), and a beam reflected by the third layer was processed by a knownmethod, thereby reproducing data. In this case, a C/N ratio was 59 dB.

Next, a 5-MHz signal was over written. Data was reproduced from thethird layer at a C/N ratio of 55 dB. The C/N ratio was improved by 6 dBas compared to Example 14.

EXAMPLE 33 Magnetooptical Recording

A 5-MHz signal was recorded following the same procedures as in Example15 except that the medium of Example 24 was used in place of that ofExample 3.

A reproduction beam was radiated onto the third layer (transcriptionlayer), and a beam reflected by the third layer was processed by a knownmethod, thereby reproducing data. In this case, a C/N ratio was 56 dB.

Next, a 2-MHz signal was over written. Data was reproduced from thethird layer at a C/N ratio of 59.5 dB. The C/N ratio was improved by 5.5dB as compared to Example 15.

EXAMPLE 34 Magnetooptical Recording

A 5-MHz signal was recorded following the same procedures as in Example16 except that the medium of Example 25 was used in place of that ofExample 4.

A reproduction beam was radiated onto the third layer (transcriptionlayer), and a beam reflected by the third layer was processed by a knownmethod, thereby reproducing data. In this case, a C/N ratio was 56 dB.

Next, a 2-MHz signal was over written. Data was reproduced from thethird layer at a C/N ratio of 59.5 dB. The C/N ratio was improved by 9.5dB as compared to Example 16.

EXAMPLE 35 Magnetooptical Recording

A 5-MHz signal was recorded following the same procedures as in Example17 except that the medium of Example 26 was used in place of that ofExample 5.

A reproduction beam was radiated onto the third layer (transcriptionlayer), and a beam reflected by the third layer was processed by a knownmethod, thereby reproducing data. In this case, a C/N ratio was 55 dB.

Next, a 4-MHz signal was over written. Data was reproduced from thethird layer at a C/N ratio of 56 dB. The C/N ratio was improved by 7 dBas compared to Example 17.

EXAMPLE 36 Magnetooptical Recording

A 5-MHz signal was recorded following the same procedures as in Example18 except that the medium of Example 27 was used in place of that ofExample 6.

A reproduction beam was radiated onto the third layer (transcriptionlayer), and a beam reflected by the third layer was processed by a knownmethod, thereby reproducing data. In this case, a C/N ratio was 56 dB.

Next, a 3-MHz signal was over written. Data was reproduced from thethird layer at a C/N ratio of 59 dB. The C/N ratio was improved by 8 dBas compared to Example 18.

EXAMPLE 37 Magnetooptical Recording

A 5-MHz signal was recorded following the same procedures as in Example19 except that the medium of Example 28 was used in place of that ofExample 7.

A reproduction beam was radiated onto the third layer (transcriptionlayer), and a beam reflected by the third layer was processed by a knownmethod, thereby reproducing data. In this case, a C/N ratio was 56 dB.

Next, a 2-MHz signal was over written. Data was 0 reproduced from thethird layer at a C/N ratio of 59.5 dB. The C/N ratio was improved by 7.5dB as compared to Example 19.

EXAMPLE 38 Magnetooptical Recording

A 1-MHz signal was recorded following the same procedures as in Example20 except that the medium of Example 29 was used in place of that ofExample 8.

A reproduction beam was radiated onto the third layer (transcriptionlayer), and a beam reflected by the third layer was processed by a knownmethod, thereby reproducing data. In this case, a C/N ratio was 59 dB.

Next, a 2-MHz signal was over written. Data was reproduced from thethird layer at a C/N ratio of 58.5 dB. The C/N ratio was improved by 7.5dB as compared to Example 20.

EXAMPLE 39 Magnetooptical Recording

A 5-MHz signal was recorded following the same procedures as in Example21 except that the medium of Example 30 was used in place of that ofExample 9.

A reproduction beam was radiated onto the third layer (transcriptionlayer), and a beam reflected by the third layer was processed by a knownmethod, thereby reproducing data. In this case, a C/N ratio was 56 dB.

Next, a 6-MHz signal was over written. Data was reproduced from thethird layer at a C/N ratio of 54 dB. The C/N ratio was improved by 5 dBas compared to Example 21.

EXAMPLE 40 Reproduction Apparatus for Magnets optical Recording

This apparatus is for only reproduction, and FIG. 41 shows the overallarrangement thereof.

The apparatus basically comprises:

(a) a rotation means 21 for rotating a disk-shaped multilayeredmagnetooptical recording medium 20 capable of over writing;

(b) a reproduction field applying means 28 for causing data recording inthe first layer to be transcribed to the second layer beforereproduction;

(c) a laser beam light source 23 as a linearly polarized light source;

(d) an optical analyzer 30 and a detector 31 constituting a reproductionmeans for receiving reflection light of linearly polarized lightradiated on the second layer and reproducing data included in thereflection light in the form of an electrical signal. Note that thearrangement shown in FIG. 41 also includes a collimator lens 26, anobjective lens 27, and a beam splitter 29.

As the reproduction field applying means 28, a permanent magnet of H_(R)=300 Oe and having a direction of magnetic field corresponding to the"non-A direction" is used. The permanent magnet 28 is a rod-like memberhaving a length corresponding to the radial length of the disk-shapedrecording medium 20, and is arranged on the left side of a laser beamirradiation position (position of a pickup including the light source23) in the rotation direction. As a result, before reproduction, datarecorded in the first layer by the means 28 can be transcribed to thesecond layer. The transcribed data can be reproduced, resulting in ahigh C/N ratio.

EXAMPLE 41 Magnetooptical Recording/reproduction

A magnetooptical recording operation was performed using the recordingapparatus of Example 11 (see FIG. 4). First, the recording medium 20 ofExample 1 was rotated at a constant linear speed of 8.5 m/sec by therotating means 21.

A laser beam is radiated onto the medium 20 from the second layer side.The laser beam was adjusted by means 24 to obtain an output of 9.3 mW(on disk) at high level and to obtain an output of 6.6 mW (on disk) atlow level. The laser beam was pulse-modulated by the means 24 inaccordance with data to be recorded. In this case, the data to berecorded was a signal having a frequency of 1 MHz. Therefore, the laserbeam was radiated onto the medium 20 while being modulated at thefrequency of 1 MHz. As a result, a 1-MHz signal was recorded.

When the data was reproduced upon irradiation of the laser beam from thesecond layer by the magnetooptical reproduction apparatus of Example 40(FIG. 41), a C/N ratio was 54 dB and it was confirmed therefrom that thesignal was actually recorded. The C/N ratio of 54 dB was higher by 3 dBthan a case wherein data was reproduced from the first layer withoutperforming application processing of the reproduction field H_(R) (seeExample 13). This will be expressed hereinafter as (+3 dB) after 54 dB.

A signal having a frequency of 5 MHz was newly recorded on an alreadyrecorded region of the medium 20 by the apparatus of Example 11. Whenthe data was similarly reproduced, the newly recorded data wasreproduced at C/N ratio of 51 dB (+3 dB). A bit error rate was 10⁻⁵ to10⁻⁶. In addition, the 1-MHz signal (preceding data) was not reproducedat all. As a result, it was found that an over-write operation wasenabled.

Note that under these conditions, the temperature of the medium reachedT_(H) =230° C. at high level and T_(L) =170° C. at low level.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of thermomagnetic over write recordingon a multilayered recording medium having first and second magneticlayers that are magnetically coupled, comprising:a) orienting thedirection of magnetization of the second layer at at least one part ofthe medium in a predetermined direction without changing the directionof magnetization of the first layer at said one part; b) temporarilyapplying high energy to said one part of the medium so that said onepart is heated to a first, high temperature level in accordance with afirst kind of data to be recorded on said medium, and is then cooled,the direction of magnetization of said second layer at said one partbeing determined by the heating of said one part to said firsttemperature level, and the direction of magnetization of said firstlayer at said one part being determined in a first direction by saidsecond layer at said one part, due to the magnetic coupling of saidlayers; c) orienting the direction of magnetization of the second layerat at least another part of the medium in said predetermined directionwithout changing the direction magnetization of the first layer at saidanother part; and d) temporarily applying low energy to said anotherpart of the medium so that said another part is heated to a second, lowtemperature level in accordance with a second kind of data to berecorded on said medium, and is then cooled, the direction ofmagnetization of said first layer at said another part being determinedin a second direction different from said first direction by said secondlayer at said another part, due to the magnetic coupling of said layers.2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the method is performed so asto record a plurality of bits of data at a plurality of parts of saidmedium, respectively.
 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein themethod is repeated with respect to at least some parts of said pluralityof parts of said medium to over write data recorded at said at leastsome parts with new data.
 4. A method according to claim 2, wherein theapplying of high and low energy to said medium comprises radiating alaser beam onto said medium and varying the intensity of said laserbeam.
 5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the method is performedwhile the medium is moved relative to the laser beam.
 6. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the method is performed on a recordingmedium in which the first and second layers are exchange-coupled layersof perpendicular magnetic anisotropy.
 7. A method according to claim 1,wherein said orienting of the direction of magnetization of the secondlayer comprises applying to said medium a magnetic field that issufficient to reverse the direction of magnetization of the second layerbut is insufficient to reverse the direction of magnetization of thefirst layer.
 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the heating ofsaid another part of the medium to said second, low temperature level issufficient for reversal of the direction of magnetization of the firstlayer at said another part but is insufficient for reversal of thedirection of magnetization of the second layer at said another part. 9.A method according to claim 1, wherein the heating of said one part ofthe medium to said first, high temperature level is sufficient forreversal of the direction of magnetization of said second layer at saidone part, and wherein, the direction of magnetization of the secondlayer at said one part is reversed under the influence of a magneticfield.
 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein the method isperformed on a recording medium in which the first and second layerscomprise rare earth (RE) and transition metal (TM) materials and whereinthe medium is selected from one of nine classes and four typescategorized in accordance with whether the first and second layers areRE rich or TM rich and whether the first and second layers have acompensation temperature (Tcomp.) that is between ambient temperatureand the Curie temperature of the layer, as set forth in the followingtable:

    ______________________________________                                                 First Layer: Second Layer:                                           Class    RE rich      RE rich     Type                                        ______________________________________                                        1        Tcomp.       Tcomp.      1                                           2        No Tcomp.    Tcomp.      2                                           3        Tcomp.       No Tcomp.   3                                           4        No Tcomp.    No Tcomp.   4                                           ______________________________________                                                 First Layer: Second Layer:                                           Class    RE rich      TM rich     Type                                        ______________________________________                                        5        Tcomp.       No Tcomp.   3                                           6        No Tcomp.    No Tcomp.   4                                           ______________________________________                                                 First Layer: Second Layer:                                           Class    TM rich      TM rich     Type                                        ______________________________________                                        7        No Tcomp.    No Tcomp.   4                                           ______________________________________                                                 First Layer: Second Layer:                                           Class    TM rich      RE rich     Type                                        ______________________________________                                        8        No Tcomp.    Tcomp.      2                                           9        No Tcomp.    No Tcomp.   4                                           ______________________________________                                    


11. A method according to claim 1, wherein the method is performed on arecording medium that is intrinsically capable of maintaining, atambient temperature, two different magnetic states, in the first ofwhich the magnetization directions are the same for the first and secondlayers and in the second of which the magnetization directions of thefirst and second layers are opposite to each other.
 12. A methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising temporarily raising thetemperature of said parts of the medium to a temperature level that islower than said first and second levels and reproducing data from saidparts.
 13. A method according to claim 1, further comprising reproducingdata from said parts magnetooptically.
 14. A method according to claim1, wherein the method is performed on a recording medium in which, atambient temperature, the coercivity of the first layer is higher thanthe coercivity of the second layer.
 15. A method according to claim 14,wherein the recording medium on which the method is performed has thefollowing characteristics in order of increasing temperature fromambient temperature: compensation temperature of the first layer, Curietemperature of the first layer, compensation temperature of the secondlayer, and Curie temperature of the second layer, and wherein the lowtemperature level is a temperature near the Curie temperature of thefirst layer, and the high temperature level is a temperature near theCurie temperature of the second layer and above the compensationtemperature of the second layer.
 16. A method according to claim 14,wherein the recording medium on which the method is performed has thefollowing characteristics in order of increasing temperature fromambient temperature: Curie temperature of the first layer, compensationtemperature of the second layer, and Curie temperature of the secondlayer, there being no compensation temperature of the first layerbetween ambient temperature and the Curie temperature of the firstlayer, and wherein the low temperature level is near the Curietemperature of the first layer, and the high temperature level is nearthe Curie temperature of the second layer and above the compensationtemperature of the second layer.
 17. A method according to claim 14,wherein the recording medium on which the method is performed has thefollowing characteristics in order of increasing temperature fromambient temperature: compensation temperature of the first layer, Curietemperature of the first layer, and Curie temperature of the secondlayer, there being no compensation temperature of the second layerbetween ambient temperature and the Curie temperature of the secondlayer, and wherein the low temperature level is near the Curietemperature of the first layer, and the high temperature level is nearthe Curie temperature of the second layer and above the Curietemperature of the first layer.
 18. A method according to claim 14,wherein the recording medium on which the method is performed has thefollowing characteristics in order of increasing temperature fromambient temperature: Curie temperature of the first layer and Curietemperature of the second layer, neither the first layer nor the secondlayer having a compensation temperature between ambient temperature andits Curie temperature, and wherein the low temperature level is near theCurie temperature of the first layer and is below the Curie temperatureof the second layer, and the high temperature level is near the Curietemperature of the second layer and is above the Curie temperature ofthe first layer.
 19. A method according to claim 14, wherein therecording medium on which the method is performed has the followingcharacteristics in order of increasing temperature from ambienttemperature: Curie temperature of the first layer and Curie temperatureof the second layer, wherein the low temperature level is a temperaturenear the Curie temperature of the first layer, and the high temperaturelevel is a temperature near the Curie temperature of the second layer.20. A method of thermomagnetic recording on a multilayered recordingmedium having first and second magnetic layers that are magneticallycoupled, comprising:a) orienting the direction of magnetization of thesecond layer at at least a part of the medium in a predetermineddirection without changing the direction of magnetization of the firstlayer at said part; and b) temporarily applying energy to said part ofthe medium so that said part is heated to a temperature level sufficientfor reversal of the direction of magnetization of the first layer atsaid part but insufficient for reversal of the direction ofmagnetization of the second layer at said part, and is then cooled, thedirection of magnetization of the first layer at said part beingdetermined by the direction of magnetization of the second layer at saidpart, due to the magnetic coupling of said layers.
 21. A method ofthermomagnetic recording on a multilayered magnetic recording mediumhaving first and second magnetic layers that are magnetically coupled,comprising:a) orienting the direction of magnetization of the secondlayer at at least a part of the medium in a predetermined directionwithout changing the direction of magnetization of the first layer atsaid part; and b) temporarily applying energy to said part of the mediumso that said part is heated to a temperature level sufficient forreversal of the direction of magnetization of said second layer at saidpart, and is then cooled, the direction of magnetization of the secondlayer at said part being oriented in a direction opposite to saidpredetermined direction and the direction of magnetization of the firstlayer at said part being determined by the direction of magnetization ofthe second layer at said part, due to the magnetic coupling of saidlayers.
 22. A method of thermomagnetic over write recording on amultilayered recording medium having first and second magnetic layersthat are magnetically coupled, comprising:a) orienting the direction ofmagnetization of the second layer at at least one part of the medium ina predetermined direction without changing the direction ofmagnetization of the first layer at said one part; b) temporarilyapplying high energy to said one part of the medium so that said onepart is heated to a first, high temperature level in accordance with afirst kind of data to be recorded on said medium, and is then cooled,the heating of said one part of the medium to said first, hightemperature level being sufficient for reversal of the direction ofmagnetization of said second layer at said one part, so that thedirection of magnetization of said second layer at said one part isdetermined by the heating of said one part to said first temperaturelevel, and the direction of magnetization of said first layer at saidone part being determined in a first direction by said second layer atsaid one part, due to the magnetic coupling of said layers; c) orientingthe direction of magnetization of the second layer at at least anotherpart of the medium in said predetermined direction without changing thedirection of magnetization of the first layer at said another part; andd) temporarily applying low energy to said another part of the medium sothat said another part is heated to a second, low temperature level inaccordance with a second kind of data to be recorded on said medium, andis then cooled, the heating of said another part of the medium to saidsecond, low temperature level being sufficient for the reversal of thedirection of magnetization of the first layer at said another part butinsufficient for reversal of the direction of magnetization of thesecond layer at said another part, the direction of magnetization ofsaid first layer at said another part being determined in a seconddirection different from said first direction by said second layer atsaid another part, due to the magnetic coupling of said layers; p1wherein the method is performed so as to record each of said first andsecond kinds of data at pluralities of parts of said medium.
 23. Athermomagnetic over write recording method comprising the steps of:a)providing a thermomagnetic recording medium having a magnetic recordinglayer formed of first and second magnetic thin films magneticallycoupled with each other, each of said first and second magnetic thinfilms being an alloy of transition metal (TM) and rare earth metal, saidsecond magnetic thin film having TM spin in an initial direction; b)heating said magnetic recording layer to a first temperature which isnear a Curie temperature of said first magnetic thin film and which isinsufficient to cause invention of said initial direction of TM spin insaid second magnetic thin film; c) cooling said magnetic recording layerfrom said first temperature, said TM spin in said first magnetic thinfilm then being in the same direction as said initial direction of TMspin in said second magnetic thin film; d) heating said magneticrecording layer to a second temperature which is near a Curietemperature of said second magnetic thin film and is sufficient to causeinversion of said initial direction of TM spin in said second magneticthin film; and e) cooling said magnetic recording layer from said secondtemperature, TM spin in said first magnetic thin film then being in thesame direction as the inverted direction of TM spin in said secondmagnetic thin film; wherein said heating is modulated so as to raise thetemperature of said magnetic recording layer to one of said firsttemperature and said second temperature according to a signal to berecorded.
 24. A method according to any one of claim 1, 20, 21, and 22,wherein said first layer is a thin magnetic film having a highcoercivity at room temperature and said second layer is a thin magneticfilm having a lower coercivity at room temperature.
 25. A methodaccording to any one of claims 1, 20, 21, and 22, wherein said firstlayer is a thin magnetic film having a low Curie temperature, andwherein said second layer is a thin magnetic film having a Curietemperature higher than that of said first layer.
 26. A method ofthermomagnetic over write recording comprising:a) preparing amultilayered recording medium having first and second magnetic layersthat are magnetically coupled, in which the direction of magnetizationof the second layer can be oriented in a predetermined direction withoutreversing the direction of magnetization of the first layer and thedirection of magnetization of the second layer at at least one part ofsaid medium has been oriented in said predetermined direction; b) movingsaid medium; c) radiating a laser beam onto said part of said movingmedium; and d) pulse modulating an intensity of said laser beam betweena high level and a low level in accordance with binary data to berecorded, to from one of two bits having upward-magnetization anddownward-magnetization, respectively, on said first layer at said partwhen the intensity of the pulse-modulated laser beam is at the highlevel, and to form the other bit on said first layer at said part whenthe intensity of the pulse-modulated laser beam is at the low level.